When we say "From Forest to Framework™ ,” we mean it. Biewer Lumber™ administers a program that supports private tree farmers in the long-term management of woodlands, both for the continuing growth of forest crops for commercial purposes and to preserve environmental benefits.
The voluntary program, designed specifically for pine forests, provides free sustainable-forest management assistance and technical forestry services to landowners to ensure timber yield for generations to come. We are very proud of our relationships with our tree farm families.
Biewer Lumber™ also buys tree-length and random-length logs, 8-foot bolts and utility poles in red pine. We purchase jack pine, white pine and spruce bolts seasonally. We also offer competitive prices for stumpage and logs as well as payment for delivered logs and bolts.
Our Michigan mill accepts wood from lower Michigan and the eastern part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; our Wisconsin mill accepts wood from Wisconsin, Minnesota and the western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
If you would like to learn more about Biewer Lumber’s Private Landowner Assistance Program, contact:
Prentice, Wisconsin
McBain, Michigan
Biewer Tree Farm Family Program Elements
1. Forest Management Plan Development
Our Biewer Tree Farm Forester will work together as a partner with you, the landowner to listen to your concerns about your goals and objectives. Then if needed we will write a management plan for your forest, keeping your goals as the target of the plan and recommend management techniques available to maximize your desired end results.
The management plan is the foundation for future decisions regarding the plantation and is to be used as a flexible guideline. Of course, the landowner may change the objectives at any time and the plan will be adjusted accordingly.
This management plan can and will be used when applying for federal and state cost share monies or for the application into the state tax program. The forest management plan will contain the following information:
a. A description of timber stand management, both for red pine and any other species which may be present
b. A forest cover type map and/or an aerial photograph
c. An inventory of present conditions, this inventory will include such items as: age, volume/acre, site index, basal area, and total acreage
d. Growth and yield projections using current stand information
e. A management prescription describing future thinnings and harvests, this will also include stocking charts (present and target densities)
f. A summary of current stand conditions, this summary will indicate current stand health and vigor and will address any current insect and disease problems
2. Periodic Inspections
Since the management plan is written to be flexible and to accommodate both the landowner and nature, it is important that we revisit and inspect the timber stand at periodic intervals, at no cost to the landowner. At your request, we will also be available to address any immediate concerns such as fire, wind, insect, or disease problems.
3. Landowner Organizations & Associations
The number of landowners actively managing their forests is growing ever year. By becoming involved in landowner organizations and associations, you can received help and assist others in their land management.
4. Periodic Newsletters
Participating landowners will receive periodic newsletters with articles pertaining to land management, land owner association activities, and updates on the Biewer Lumber™ Tree Farm Family program.
5. Timber Sale Preparation & Marketing
As a result of your timber management, you will grow marketable forest products which need to be harvested. Your Biewer Tree Farm Forester will assist you in the proper marking of your timber. Once the evaluation timber is complete, a recommendation will be made concerning your available markets.
6. Right of First Refusal on Timber Harvests
In exchange for providing the services outlined above, if the timber to be harvested is of the type and size which we can utilize, Biewer Lumber™ asks for the opportunity to offer a purchase price for the stumpage to be harvested. In the event that the landowner receives additional offers to purchase their timer, we reserve the right to make a final bid to match or exceed those offers.
Sustainable Forest Initiative Facts
One of the nation's largest and most recognized sustainable forestry programs is administered by the American Forest and Paper Association. SFI is a comprehensive system of principles, objectives and performance measurements that help insure our forests are managed, used and wisely protected for current and future generations.
The scope of SFI includes, but is not limited to:
- Broadening the practice of sustainable forestry
- Ensuring prompt reforestation
- Protecting water quality
- Enhancing wildlife habitat
- Minimizing the visual impact of harvesting
- Protecting special sites
- Contributing to biodiversity
- Continuing improvements in wood utilization
- Continuing the prudent use of forest chemicals to ensure forest and environmental health
- Encouraging good, sound forest management principles
As part of Biewer's participation in sustainable forest management we require that log suppliers complete core education programs that include training in: Water Quality, Wildlife management, Forest Silviculture Practices, Equipment Maintenance, Soil Conservation and Harvesting Techniques
Michigan Forestry Facts
- Michigan forests are growing 2.5 times more timber than is being harvested each year
- Forests are a major feature in Michigan's landscape, covering more than 52% of the state
- Michigan public forest ownership includes 3 national forests and boasts the nation's largest state forest system which accounts for 6.5 million acres
- Michigan industry forest ownership is over 2 million acres
- Michigan private forest ownership accounts for 10.5 million acres, representing approx. 55% of Michigan's total forests… these private parcels are generally less than 100 acres
- Most Michigan private forests produce one half or less than their potential
- 19 million acres of forest land contribute directly to Michigan's economy through timber production which is marketed through the forest products industry
- Michigan timber products include Christmas trees, logs for lumber, pulpwood for the paper industry, and raw materials for post, piling and the home building industry.
For more Michigan forestry information call:
Michigan Forest Resource Alliance
800.474.1718
Wisconsin Forestry Facts
- Wisconsin forests are growing 1.5 times more timber than is being harvested each year
- Of Wisconsin's 35 million acres, about 16 million acres are forested and currently cover 46% of the total land area of the state
- Wisconsin state owns just about 5% of the forests with the federal government owning about 10% of Wisconsin's forests
- Each year, on average, sawtimber volume increases by 1.68 billion board feet
- Wisconsin private forest ownership accounts for 16.2 million acres, representing approx. 57% of Wisconsin's total forests… these private parcels are generally less than 100 acres
- Most Wisconsin private forests produce one half or less than their potential
- Between 1984 and 1997 the number of private landowners increased by 20%
- Wisconsin timber products include Christmas trees, logs for lumber, pulpwood for the paper industry and raw materials for post, piling and the home building industry
- Wisconsin forests themselves are very diverse, including many different timber species. Over 657 vertebrates and over 1,800 native vascular plants are found in the state
For more Wisconsin forestry information call:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
608.266.2621
