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Memorandum of Timber Sale Agreement

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Timber Sale Contract

STATE OF ARKANSAS

COUNTY OF

TIMBER SALE CONTRACT

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that this contract made and entered into this day by and BETWEEN or , a corporation, hereinafter referred to as the "Seller(s)," whether one or more, and or , a corporation, hereinafter referred to as the "Purchaser(s)," whether one or more, WITNESSETH:

That the said Seller, for and in consideration of the sum of Ten and no/100 Dollars and other considerations paid by the said Purchaser, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, has granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and do by these presents hereby grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto the said Purchaser all merchantable timber on their property located in County, State of Arkansas, and described as follows:

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

Source of Title: DB , Pg

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto the said Purchaser, his successors and assigns, together with the following described rights, powers, and privileges, and subject to the following conditions, limitations, and reverter, that is to say:

1. The right to enter upon said lands from the execution of the timber deed until , except when extremely wet conditions exist which may result in excessive damage to the roads and residual stand of timber, to cut, haul, handle, manufacture, and remove from said lands the said timber hereby conveyed, together with the products thereof, which shall include all rights of ingress, egress, and regress on, over, and across said lands owned by the said Seller, necessary for said purposes.

2. The right to use all roads over and across said lands, with the right to lay-out, construct bunching areas, and use such other and additional roads as designated by representatives of both Parties as may be necessary in and about the cutting, hauling, manufacturing, and removing of the said trees and timber hereby conveyed, together with all other rights, privileges, and easements which may be useful in exercising the provisions of this contract.

3. The Purchaser, for himself and for his successors and assigns, agrees that in and about the cutting, hauling, handling, manufacturing, and removing of said timber and the products thereof, and in exercising the rights, powers, privileges and immunities granted herein, to do so in accordance with Management Practices as attached (See Exhibit “A”), or in accordance with Management Practices established by the State of Arkansas, and in accordance with good timber cutting practices, by removing the top and limbs from the main tree bole before it is skidded to a bunching area; and not carelessly to injure or damage the remaining timber; and not to damage the fields, pastures, fences, roads, ditches, bridges, or wildlife food plots; and to remove tops, limbs, debris, and garbage from the property lines, fields, pastures, roads, ditches, and bunching grounds on or over said above-described lands to which the Purchaser has the right of ingress and egress; but, if he, or his successors and assigns, does so, he agrees immediately to repair fences and bridges; remove tops and litter from property lines, fields, pastures, roads, ditches, and bunching grounds; and, upon completion of the cutting, to repair the roads to as good or better conditions as exists prior to the cutting. Furthermore, it is agreed and understood that those roads crossing other landowners and used for removing timber products included in this contract, shall be covered under all of the provisions outlined in this contract.

4. It is understood and agreed and made a part of this contract that all of the rights, powers, and privileges herein given and granted shall terminate and be at the end at midnight on and that all of the trees and timber hereby conveyed, whether standing or fallen, which remain on said lands after said date shall immediately revert to and become the property of the undersigned grantors and their successors in title.

5. The Purchaser agrees to notify the Agent of the Seller, or its representatives, five days prior to entering the property.

6. Upon the execution of this contract, Purchaser has deposited with Seller a Cashier’s check in the amount of $ , which check is made payable to . After the expiration of the contract or the release of the rights hereunder and a final inspection of the harvesting made jointly by the Purchaser and the Seller or his agent, if Purchaser shall have complied with all of its obligations under the terms and provisions of this contract, and shall not have caused any damage to the property of the Seller, Seller or his agents shall return said deposit to Purchaser. However, if Purchaser has caused any unnecessary damage to any property of Seller or has caused any loss, liability, or expense to Seller by reason of any violation of this contract, Seller or his Agent may make a written statement of the amount of such damage, loss, expense or liability, give notice of the same to Purchaser and retain from the proceeds of said check the amount of such statement of damage, loss, expense, or liability. If the aggregate amount of such statement of damage shall be less than the amount of said check, then the remaining balance of the check shall be paid to Purchaser by Seller. If the amount of such statement shall exceed the amount of said check, the Seller may retain all of the proceeds of said check and Purchaser shall pay Seller an amount equal to the excess of said statement. It is understood and agreed that the Purchaser pay to the Seller for any sawtimber trees cut that are not sold according to this contract at the rate of $ per M.B.F. (Doyle Scale) for pine sawtimber and $ per M.B.F. (Doyle Scale) for hardwood sawtimber. It is further understood that the Purchaser pay to the Seller for any pulpwood trees cut that are not sold according to this contract at the rate of $ per cord for pine or hardwood pulpwood.

7. All of Purchaser’s operations hereunder shall be at Purchaser’s own expense and by means of Purchaser’s own selection, and shall be exclusively at the risk and responsibility of Purchaser; and Seller shall have no liability either directly or indirectly on account of Purchaser’s operations. Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Seller against any loss, liability, or expense of any kind incurred on account of personal injury, death, or property damage which may arise (or may be alleged to have arisen) from any operations hereunder by Purchaser or Purchaser’s contractors, employees, agents, or representatives attributable to negligence or other fault on the part of the Purchaser or Purchaser’s officers, agents, employees, or subcontractors. Purchaser acknowledges that the provisions of this sentence were specifically bargained for between Purchaser and Seller. Purchaser shall pay all severance taxes and all other taxes, licenses, and excises required by law to be paid on account of the timber felling and logging operations hereunder.

And for the same consideration as expressed hereinabove, the said Sellers do hereby covenant with the said Purchaser, his successors and assigns, that they are seized of an indefeasible title in fee simple to the timber and rights and privileges herein granted; that they have a good and lawful right to sell and convey the same; and, that they will warrant and forever defend the title thereto, subject to the conditions and limitations expressed herein.

8. Endangered Species Clause - BUYER and SELLER take cognizance of the Federal Endangered Species Act. 16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq., and the regulations appearing at 50 C.F.R. Section 17, which list endangered and threatened fish, wildlife, and plants, including but not limited to the gopher tortoise, (Goperus Polyphemus). Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides), the Louisiana Black Bear, and such other species of wildlife, fish, and plants which may from time to time be listed as threatened or endangered. SELLER and SELLER’s AGENT represents that there are no threatened or endangered species of first, wildlife, or plants, or habitat therefore on any of the land subject to this agreement to the best of SELLER’s knowledge. SELLER and BUYER agree that should the presence of any threatened or endangered species or evidence of habitation thereof be found on any of the acreage and the thereon (as is determined by BUYER in consultation with applicable authorities of agencies) and BUYER shall be compensated or excused from payment as the case may be for the prorated portion of the purchase price which relates to the affected acreage.

Given under our hands and seals this the day of , 20 .

Witness

Purchaser (if individual)

Witness

Purchaser Signature

Witness

Purchaser (if corporation)

Witness

BY:

Its

Witness

Seller (if individual)

Witness

Seller Signature

Witness

Seller (if corporation)

Witness

BY:

Its

Acknowledgment for Individual – Purchaser(s)

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

On this day personally appeared before me, a Notary Public, within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly qualified, commissioned and acting, and to me well known as the Purchaser(s) in the foregoing, and stated that and have executed the same for the consideration and purposes therein mentioned and set forth.

Witness my hand and seal on this day of , .

Notary Public, State of

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

Acknowledgment for Corporation - Purchaser

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

On this day personally appeared before me and to be personally well known, who acknowledged that they were the and of corporation, and that they, as such officers, being duly authorized to do so, had executed the foregoing instrument as Purchaser for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of the corporation by themselves as such officers.

WITNESS my hand and seal on this day of , .

Notary Public, State of

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

Acknowledgment for Individual – Seller(s)

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

On this day personally appeared before me, a Notary Public, within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly qualified, commissioned and acting, and to me well known as the Seller(s) in the foregoing, and stated that and have executed the same for the consideration and purposes therein mentioned and set forth.

Witness my hand and seal on this day of , .

Notary Public, State of

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

Acknowledgment for Corporation - Seller

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

On this day personally appeared before me and to be personally well known, who acknowledged that they were the and of corporation, and that they, as such officers, being duly authorized to do so, had executed the foregoing instrument as Seller for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of the corporation by themselves as such officers.

WITNESS my hand and seal on this day of , .

Notary Public, State of

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

EXHIBIT “A”

Management Practices

STREAMSIDE MANAGEMENT ZONES

Forest lands within the area immediately adjacent to waters of the State should be managed with specific attention given to measures that can be taken to protect both instream and downstream water quality values. The most important consideration within this zone is that of protecting the integrity of the streambed and streambanks. It does, however, require careful removal of overstory vegetation to insure protection of understory vegetation.

The width of Streamside Management Zones should be varied, depending on the following conditions: slope of land, soil erodibility, precipitation, knowledge of particular area, sensitivity of stream, etc.

Generally, the steeper the slope the wider the SMZ, and the more gentle the slope the narrower the SMZ. The same holds true for erodible soils: the more erodible the soil the wider the SMZ, and the less erodible the soil the narrower the SMZ.

PERMANENT ROADS

1. Roads should be carefully planned.

2. Avoid locations in narrow canyons, marshes, wet meadows and Streamside Management Zones if there is another practical route.

3. Minimize the number of stream crossings.

4. Roads designed for stability with adequate drainage.

5. Except at crossings, locate roads as far as practical from streams.

6. Standing water on a road increases operating costs and is a source of sediment which could be delivered to a stream.

7. As slope increases, diversion structures become more important for reducing the damages caused by soil erosion.

Construction of Permanent Roads

1. Use the minimum design standard consistent with the anticipated traffic and reasonable safety.

2. Stumps, logs, and slash should not be covered with fill material and incorporated into road beds.

3. Minimizing the amount of soil exposed will minimize soil erosion.

4. Road slopes should be determined by topography and soil type.

5. Ditches, adequate culverts, drainage dips, water bars, cross drains, etc., should be installed concurrent with construction.

6. Diversion or wing ditches should be used to carry road drainage water. They should empty onto the undisturbed forest floor.

7. Except at crossings, sidecast of fill material should not be placed below the ordinary high water mark of a stream.

8. The exposed soil on the side banks of roads is a source of erosion and road deterioration. Stabilizing the side banks as they are constructed will minimize the problem.

Maintenance of Permanent Roads

1. Regular periodic inspection.

2. Drainage devices should be kept open.

3. Back slopes and/or roadbeds may be seeded.

4. Special soil stabilizing materials are available for particularly vulnerable areas.

5. Roads which have a high potential for erosion may be closed to non-essential traffic during wet weather.

WATER CROSSINGS

1. Use fords only if stream beds are solid and if the installation of bridges and culverts will accelerate soil movement.

2. Bridges and overflow culverts should be constructed to minimize changes in natural stream beds during high water.

3. Culverts on perennial streams should be installed low enough to allow passage of aquatic life during low water.

4. Dirt fills for bridge approaches should be protected from erosion.

5. Slash and/or construction debris should be removed from streams.

6. Open top culverts, water bars, or broad based dips placed in the road on either side of the stream crossing will minimize water movement down the road and into the stream.

TRAILS

1. The basic principals set forth under Permanent Roads should be applied to Permanent Trails: however, techniques should be altered as appropriate.

HARVESTING

Temporary Access Roads and Landings

1. The location of temporary access roads (logging roads) should be planned before operations begin.

2. Road construction should be kept to a minimum.

3. Landings should be located to minimize the adverse impact of skidding on the natural drainage pattern.

4. Logging roads and landings should be located on firm ground, outside of Streamside Management Zones and above the ordinary high water mark of streams.

5. Landings should be kept as small in area as possible.

6. When operations are completed, provisions should be made to divert water run-off from the landings and roads.

Felling

1. Careful felling can minimize the impact of subsequent phases of logging operations.

2. Trees should not be felled into streams, except where no safe alternative exists. In the latter case, such trees should be removed promptly.

Skidding

1. Timber cut in Streamside Management Zones should be removed by the method which causes the least damage.

2. Skidding should be done so as to avoid disrupting natural drainage and to prevent excessive soil displacement.

3. Stream channels should not be used as skid trails.

4. Crossings of streams should be minimized. Where crossing is necessary, logs should be moved at right angles to the channel.

5. Temporary crossings utilizing culverts, logs or portable bridges may be required. These should be removed promptly upon completion of use.

6. Skid trails on steep slopes should have occasional breaks, should be water barred.

7. If harvesting must be done during wet weather it is better to log on well-drained sites. Soils are more easily compacted when wet.

8. Litter from the maintenance and repair of equipment should be kept out of streams and preferably should be buried or hauled to legal dumping sites.

9. Servicing of equipment involving fuel, lubricants, or coolants should be performed in places where these materials cannot enter streams.

10. Upon completion of logging, erosion-prone areas can be mulched or seeded.

MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION

1. Avoid excessive soil compaction.

2. Minimize erosion and the movement of sediment into waters.

3. Prevent accumulation of debris in ponds, streams or rivers.

4. Minimize disturbance in Streamside Management Zones.

5. Windrows, disking, bedding and planting with “furrow” type mechanical planters should follow contours.

6. Soil disturbance during shearing and raking operations should be kept to a practical minimum.

7. Shearing and Chopping blades should be kept sharp.

8. Avoid complete disking of steep slopes with extremely erodible soil.

9. If breaks in bedding occur on slopes, they should be stabilized.

10. Wherever possible, discharge water from furrows and disked areas onto vegetated surfaces.

11. Plant trees on contour.

FOREST CHEMICALS

1. BMPs are to use these products in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and state and federal regulations. No containers or equipment should be washed in any stream.

2. Lines located at right angles to the contour should be avoided. Grades, ditches and water bars should be planned and installed when the line is being constructed.

3. Plowing deep lines with a fire-line plow should be avoided unless necessary.

4. Plowed or dozed lines should never be led directly into a stream or swamp.

PRESCRIBED FIRE

1. Most soil erosion problems arising from prescribed burning come from fire lines being improperly installed.

2. Lines located at right angles to the contour should be avoided. Grades, ditches and water bars should be planned and installed when the line is being constructed.

3. Plowing deep lines with a fire-line plow should be avoided unless necessary.

4. Plowed or dozed lines should never be led directly into a stream or swamp.

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What the Memorandum of Timber Sale Agreement Is

The Memorandum of Timber Sale Agreement is a concise record that summarizes the material terms of a timber sale transaction between a landowner (seller) and a purchaser (buyer). It typically identifies the parties, describes the property and timber to be removed, states the agreed consideration, sets the harvesting schedule and access rights, and notes obligations such as environmental protections, bonds, or stumpage adjustments. The memorandum serves as a notice for title, assists with contract enforcement, and can be recorded or delivered to interested third parties to establish priorities without replacing the full sale contract.

Why a Memorandum Helps Reduce Risk

A memorandum provides public or contractual notice of cutting rights, preserves priority against subsequent claims, clarifies payment and access terms, and documents obligations that affect title and operations. It reduces ambiguity and strengthens enforcement options for both parties.

Why a Memorandum Helps Reduce Risk

Who Typically Prepares and Uses the Memorandum

Typical users include landowners, timber purchasers, forestry contractors, title companies, and attorneys managing sale documentation.

  • Landowners and sellers protecting property rights and documenting compensation and access terms.
  • Buyers and harvesters securing cutting rights, schedules, and indemnities before timber removal.
  • County recorders and title agents reviewing memoranda for priority and liens during transactions.

Representative Parties Who Sign

Landowner

Private landowners or trust managers who hold legal title and need to document sale conditions, environmental protections, payment timing, and access. Recording a memorandum notifies third parties and can preserve priority against later claims or liens.

Timber Buyer

Commercial harvesters, investment firms, or contractors who require clear cutting rights, harvest windows, indemnities, and performance assurances. Buyers use the memorandum to coordinate permits, access, and insurance prior to harvesting operations.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Memorandum

A complete memorandum highlights the parties, property, timber description, compensation, schedule, and notice/recording instructions to minimize future disputes.

Parties

Provide full legal names, entity types, and contact details for seller and buyer, plus authorized signatories to ensure enforceability and reliable notice delivery.

Property Description

Include legal description, parcel identification or map reference, acreage, and boundary descriptions to precisely locate the timber subject to sale.

Timber Description

Describe species, approximate volume or cordage, marked trees or cutting units, and any reserved timber not included in the sale.

Consideration

State the agreed price, stumpage rate, payment schedule, escrow arrangements, and any adjustments based on scale or quality.

Access and Schedule

Specify authorized ingress/egress routes, harvest windows, restoration obligations, and limits on equipment or seasonality to reduce operational disputes.

Recording & Notices

Indicate whether the memorandum will be recorded, provide notice addresses, and specify dispute resolution or governing law provisions.

Required Data Fields at a Glance

Seller Name: Exact legal name
Buyer Name: Exact legal name
Property ID: Parcel ID or legal description
Timber Details: Species and volume
Consideration: Price or formula
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Step-by-Step: Completing and Delivering the Memorandum

Use this sequence to prepare, sign, and deliver a memorandum that accurately reflects the timber sale and supports recording or notice.

  • 01
    Draft: Assemble contract excerpts and identify essential terms for the memorandum.
  • 02
    Verify: Confirm legal names, property description, and payment terms with counsel.
  • 03
    Sign: Collect signatures and notarizations as required by jurisdiction and recording office.
  • 04
    File or Send: Record at the county recorder or deliver to stakeholders per the agreement.

How to Set Up an Online Completion Workflow

Configure an e-signature workflow that captures signatures, authentication, and optional recording steps for the memorandum.

Field Configuration
Document Upload PDF or DOCX; include contract excerpt as attachment
Signature Fields Place signature, date, and initials where required
Signer Authentication Email link or SMS code; consider ID verification
Recording Checkbox Select if memorandum will be delivered for county recording

Typical Delivery and Recording Flow

The following describes a common sequence from drafting through final delivery or recording.

  • Draft & Review: Prepare memorandum from the sale contract.
  • Signatures: Collect signatures and notarial acknowledgments.
  • Record: File with county recorder when required.
  • Distribute: Provide copies to title company and stakeholders.

Digital Signing and File Delivery Considerations

Choose a platform that supports secure signatures, audit trails, and export to PDF for recording or distribution.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or enhanced ID
  • Integrations: Cloud storage and title systems

Common Timelines and When to Act

Timelines vary by contract and jurisdiction; use these typical checkpoints to avoid priority or enforcement issues.

Execution Date:

Date parties sign; starts obligations and harvest windows.

Recording/Delivery:

Record promptly if priority is needed; timelines set by county rules.

Harvest Window:

Defined season or start/stop dates for cutting operations.

Payment Due:

Payment milestones or retention release per contract.

Dispute Period:

Time allowed to assert claims or seek injunctive relief.

Key Milestones from Contract to Recorded Notice

Track these stages to ensure the memorandum supports priority and operational coordination across parties.

01

Contract Execution

Parties sign the primary sale agreement and agree memorandum terms.

02

Memorandum Drafting

Prepare concise recorded notice from the contract's essential terms.

03

Signatures & Notary

Collect signatures and notarization if jurisdiction or recorder requires it.

04

Recording/Distribution

File with county recorder or distribute copies to title parties and stakeholders.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using incomplete legal descriptions that cause misidentification of the parcel and create recording rejections or title disputes.
  • Mismatching party names or entity details that prevent a memorandum from providing effective notice or cause indexing errors at the recorder's office.
  • Failing to specify harvest boundaries or reserved areas, resulting in operational conflicts and potential trespass claims during cutting.
  • Omitting notarization or incorrect notary acknowledgment where the county requires it, leading to rejection of recording or weakened notice effect.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Omitted Memorandum

Priority Loss: Lose recording priority
Title Disputes: Complicates title insurance claims
Operational Delays: Harvest schedules disrupted
Contract Damages: Exposure to breach claims
Recording Rejection: Rejected by county recorder
Regulatory Fines: Potential environmental penalties

Typical eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Memorandum Workflows

Comparing basic vendor pricing and select capabilities can help teams choose an eSignature solution compatible with memorandum execution and recordkeeping.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Real-World Examples of Using eSignatures for Property Documents

Two signNow customer examples show how remote execution and secure records can streamline property-related document workflows.

Martin Properties — Remote Execution

A small property management firm needed remote signing for land-sale documents and memoranda to avoid delays.

  • They required mobile and offline signing support.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Optica Ventures — Simple Interface

A firm handling syndicated land investments needed simple signing for multiple counterparties.

  • They prioritized an interface easy for clients to use.
  • "The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Practical Tips for Accurate, Efficient Memorandum Completion

Apply these practices to reduce rework and ensure the memorandum functions as intended for notice and title purposes.

Use Exact Legal Names
Confirm entity names against formation documents or deeds to avoid indexing errors and to ensure enforceability.
Attach Supporting Exhibits
Include maps, contract excerpts, and a certified legal description to eliminate ambiguity during recording or title review.
Confirm Recorder Requirements
Check the county recorder for local format, fee, and notarization requirements before submitting for filing.
Preserve Audit Trails
When using e-signatures, retain the platform audit trail with timestamps and signer attribution for evidentiary support.

FAQs and Troubleshooting for Memorandum of Timber Sale Agreement

Answers to common questions about validity, recording, e-signatures, signatures, and corrections when working with memoranda.


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