The most frequently asked question I get as a forester, especially in the summer, is,  "Don't you worry about snakes?" My answer is, "No, I very seldom even think about them, unless I am working east of I-95 in the coastal plain." All foresters have coastal plain snake stories.  I don't personally know a forester that has suffered from a snakebite. (Knock on wood) 

The best advice I've heard on what to do if you, or one of your companions, gets bitten by a snake:

• Stay calm (easy to do I know)
• Do your best to remember what the snake looked like (so you can get the right anti-venom if necessary)
• Make your way calmly out of the woods to a higher level of care (call 911)
• And please, no heroics with sucking venom out of the victim's body - that's just dangerous for everyone involved 

To be safe from harm, you do need to always pay attention when you are out in the woods for recreation or work. My experience with snakes, is if you will leave them alone they are pretty much happy to respond in kind. 

My general rules for avoiding snakes are: I always look before stepping over a log or other objects, I avoid piles of rotten wood when possible, and I wear boots anytime I'm out in the woods. Considering the many miles I routinely spend in the woods, this advice has served me well over the years. Hope it helps you too.

Andrew Casey, RF, ACF

NC Real Estate Broker

VA Real Estate Broker

 Many times throughout my career I have been asked by folks, "What is timber going for? Surely you can give me an idea of what my timber is worth." This based on nothing more than a phone call. I wish it was that simple, however every site is different. Some places grow trees better than others, some tracts have better access, and some tracts are closer to mills than others - all factors that affect the value of timber. In all honesty, I have seen timber prices range from $500 to $5,000 per acre. I have seen bids differ by almost $200,000 from first to last place on a timber sale.

There are three important things to remember:

• Timber prices are determined by the laws of supply and demand. All buyers can't pay the same price for timber.

• The buyer may be an honorable person but they have no obligation to look after your interests.

• Don't judge the value of your timber based on your neighbor's timber or on what you hear at the country store.

The best alternative for you is to hire a professional consulting forester who understands the local markets, will recommend the best time to sell and give you advice about the factors that affect your timber value.

Typically, when landowners use consultant foresters, they will get 23% more money for their timber.

Call to get more information on determining the value of your timber.

R. Craig McClure, RF, ACF

NC Real Estate Broker