Timber Harvest Inspections are conducted according to statute to protect "forest cover adjacent to certain surface waters of the state and along public highways" and to "...ensure future forest productivity...without undue infringement on the rights of private forest landowners." The Director, Division of Forests and Lands is responsible for the enforcement of timber harvesting laws under RSA 227:G:3. This responsibility is carried out through the Division's Forest Protection Bureau.
for a law enforcement issue,
call (603) 271-2214 or
fill out the Complaint Form and
email it to jen.little@dred.state.nh.us
Basal Area Variance Request – This form is for loggers, foresters or landowners who wish to request permission to harvest in excess of 50% of the Basal Area.
Notification of Forest Management or Timber Harvest Activities Having Minimum Wetlands Impact – This form is for loggers, foresters and landowners who will be harvesting timber in areas which may impact wetland areas and is required for the installation of crossing devices.
Basal Area Law – This FAQ sheet gives information and answers questions about RSA 227-J:9 reference Basal Area, including a map with the required setbacks.
Slash Law – This FAQ sheet gives information and answers questions about RSA 227-J:10 reference slash, including a map with the required setbacks.
Timber Trespass – This FAQ sheet gives information and answers questions about RSA 227-J:8 reference Timber Trespass.
Deceptive Forestry Business Practices – This FAQ sheet gives information and answers questions about RSA 227-J:15 reference Deceptive Forestry Business Practices. This law requires that all Timber Harvesting requiring an Intent to Cut must have a written contract which outlines the payment process and amounts for the harvest.
Timber Tax Law – Ten percent of the value of every timber sale is returned to towns where cutting takes place. This FAQ sheet gives information and answers questions about RSA 227-J:5 and 79:10 reference Timber Tax.
2009 Guide to New Hampshire Timber Harvesting Laws - This guide gives a general overview of the Timber Harvesting Laws and is a good reference material for loggers, foresters and landowners.
Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for Erosion Control on Timber Harvesting Operations in New Hampshire – This reference manual is useful for loggers, foresters and landowners and should be used whenever laying out a timber harvest.
Harvesting Around Wetlands – This information sheet from UNH Cooperative Extension gives an overview of Riparian Habitats and includes suggestions for Forest Management around these areas.
Department of Revenue Administration, Average Stumpage Values - Click here to visit the DRA website.
Deparment of Environmental Services, List of Fourth order Streams
The following are useful documents developed by the University of New Hampshire – Cooperative Extension
Timber Sale Guidelines – This information sheet is useful for any landowner planning to have timber harvested on their property. RSA 227-J:15 requires that all timber harvests which require an Intent to Cut must also have a written contract.
Timber Sale Agreement - This information sheet gives information for the Timber Sale Agreement as well as a sample Contract.
About Licensed Foresters - This information sheet gives an overview of the requirements of Licensed Foresters.
Selecting a Forester - This information sheet gives an overview of the services a Licensed Forester can provide for landowners.
Owning a Piece of the Forest – For Landowners – This document is a good primer for current and prospective landowners in New Hampshire.
Timber Harvesting and Silviculture - This information sheet gives a good overview of information to consider when managing your forest.
Woodlot Boundary Line Marking – This FAQ sheet gives an overview of the techniques used for marking boundary lines.
2010 Good Forestry in the Granite State – This document provides the educational tools needed to manage ecologically sensitive and unique features of forest land.
Forest Products Road Manual – This manual is a guide for both municipal officials and the forest products industry to improve understanding of the laws which govern public roadways.
UNH Cooperative Extension Forestry Website:
