North Carolina is home to over 18 million acres of forestland, covering 61% of the state's total land mass. Much of this is privately owned(around 12 million acres), while the rest is on national forest and state forest land. These forests are the lifeblood for North Carolina, especially in the northwestern part of the state. 

Counties such as Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Alexander are all heavily forested with oak, hickory, and pine forests. Forestland in this region is vital to the local economy, with much of it being dominated by small landholders and private ventures.

Northwest NC Forestry Fact Sheet

Forestry Management Wilkes County NC

Wilkes is home to District 2 of the NC Forest Service and features nearly $7.4 million in annual stumpage value. Due to its proximity to the District 2 office, it is a site of active conservation and houses several sustainable game land projects.  Wilkes County is also home to Church and Church Lumber Company.

Forestry Management Ashe County NC

Much of Ashe County is covered in timberland, nearly 64%. One of Ashe County’s biggest exports is its Christmas trees. However, there are plenty of mountain hardwood stands across the county.

Forestry Management Alleghany County NC

Timber harvests play a consistent role in the rural economy in Alleghany County, where almost half of the land mass is considered forestland.

Forestry Management Caldwell County NC

Caldwell is home to several state parks as well as a small chunk of Pisgah National Forest along Wilson Creek. Around 80% of the county is in forestland, and timber harvests on both private and public land are huge for the local economy.

Forestry Management Watauga and Avery Counties NC

Both counties feature higher-elevation forests and more rugged backcountry access. While the timber industry is a vital part of the high-elevation counties, land legacy conservation is a major focal point.

Forestry Management Surry and Yadkin Counties NC

These two Piedmont counties are both agriculture-focused areas, with farms, vineyards, and some pine plantations. Much of the forested acreage borders the Yadkin River Watershed.

Benefits of Forestry Management in Northwest North Carolina

Working with a forester can save landowners a considerable amount of money and can ensure that forestlands are utilized and managed in ways that will allow future users a lifetime of enjoyment. Forests are a great natural resource full of regenerative resources. Simply put, trees are valuable and can grow back when properly managed.

One of the biggest benefits of working with a forester in Northwest North Carolina is the tax relief benefits. Owners of 20+ acres of forest land can lower property taxes significantly through the NC Forest Service Present Use Value Program. 

Typically, land is valued and taxed at its current market value; however, standing timber, pulpwood, seedlings, and other forest growth is classified as a special kind of property according to North Carolina’s Constitution. When landowners engage with a forester and put together a forestry management plan, landowners can reap the tax savings that encourage proper forest management practices. 

Forest management is also important when it comes time to harvest timber. Many landowners have no clue the value of their forestlands, and more often than not make uneducated guesses when harvesting their timber, costing them thousands in potential revenue. Proper forest management not only guides landowners through the best practices for taking care of their forests, but also for maximizing profits when a timber harvest takes place. 

Sustainable Forest Management Solutions for Northwest North Carolina

Church and Church Lumber Company has been a part of the region's forestry traditions for four generations. We understand the local ecosystem, regional timber markets, and the needs of landowners who want to take better care of their forestlands.

Whether you own a few acres of land or a large tract of timberland, proper forest management with Church and Church can ensure that your land stays productive and healthy for future generations. We provide forestry management.

Church and Church Forestry Management 

When you work with us to manage your timberland, the process is designed to maximize the value of your timber and keep your forests productive for years to come. 

Our Forestry Management Process Includes:

• Timber Inventory: We measure and evaluate your timber's age, species mix, and quality.
• Property Goals: We find out if your goals are long-term investment, income, better habitat, or a combination of these.
• Management Strategy: Depending on what works best for your land, we develop a strategy that may involve thinning, selective harvesting, or clearcutting with replanting.
• Harvest Scheduling: To maximize your profit, we schedule harvests to coincide with growth cycles and market circumstances.
• Erosion Control and Compliance: To preserve water quality and adhere to rules, we use North Carolina's Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Regeneration: To guarantee a robust timber stand in the future, we prepare for either natural regeneration or replanting after harvest.
• Continuous Monitoring: To keep your plan up to date, we periodically return to your property to follow up.

Working within our forestry management process allows you to manage a healthier, more valuable forest all while protecting streams, wildlife habitat, and soil quality.

Why Choose Church and Church Lumber Company for Forestry Management in Northwest North Carolina

• Our professional foresters have extensive local knowledge of forests throughout Northwest North Carolina.
• We are committed to sustainable forestry practices, ensuring that forests remain productive over multiple generations.
• Our team will help you maximize the value of your timber by being a one-stop shop for management, harvest, and milling.
• We develop long-term partnerships with landowners over multiple harvest cycles.

Managing Northwest NC Forests for Future Generations

Forests are a renewable resource when managed effectively. Many Wilkes County landowners see their timber as part of their family’s legacy and something to pass down rather than deplete. Our strategy ensures that your children and grandkids inherit a property that is healthier and more valuable than when you started.

Church and Church Lumber Company: Your Choice for Forest Management in Northwest North Carolina and Beyond

Whether you have land that is covered in timber or are looking to purchase a property that is forested, Church and Church Lumber Company can help you make the most of your forest. Our team of foresters can help you build a management plan and carry it out, all while reaping the benefits of tax breaks and income from timber sales.

We would love to schedule a consultation so that we can walk your property and discuss your goals. Contact us today to start managing your land with confidence. Your forest is a valuable asset; let us help you keep it thriving and profitable for generations to come.