Scope of Work
Describe the tract, marked boundaries, species, and estimated volume; include maps, GPS coordinates, or marked cruise lines to avoid ambiguity.
A clear written agreement reduces disputes by defining scope, compensation, environmental safeguards, and liabilities; it documents consent and creates enforceable remedies under state contract law. The contract also demonstrates compliance with forest management best practices and can simplify permitting, insurance, and financing interactions.
Timber Harvest Agreements are used by private landowners, timberland managers, logging contractors, sawmills, and investors who buy standing timber or stumpage.
Each party should confirm authority to enter the contract, regulatory permits needed, and any lender or lienholder consents before signing.
The landowner or an authorized agent (for example, a trustee or corporate officer) signs to grant harvest rights and accept payment terms. Ensure the signer is listed on deed/title records or holds written agency authorization to avoid later challenges to authority.
The buyer, mill, or logging contractor signs to accept operational, environmental, payment, and indemnity obligations. The buyer should provide proof of insurance, business registration, and any required state licensing before work begins.
Describe the tract, marked boundaries, species, and estimated volume; include maps, GPS coordinates, or marked cruise lines to avoid ambiguity.
Specify stumpage rates or unit pricing, measurement method (truck scale, log scale, Scribner/MBF), payment schedule, and retainage or adjustment mechanisms.
Set rules for road construction, maintenance, seasonal restrictions, erosion control, and restoration responsibilities; allocate costs and bonding if appropriate.
Include sediment control, stream buffers, wildlife protections, and obligations to comply with federal and state forestry and water quality laws.
Require commercial general liability and worker's compensation, name the landowner as additional insured, and allocate indemnity for third-party claims and environmental damage.
Define default events, notice periods, cure rights, removal of equipment, security for restoration, and calculation of liquidated damages if used.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Order | Set landowner first, buyer second to confirm consent sequence |
| Authentication | Use email plus SMS code or advanced ID proofing for higher assurance |
| Attachments | Attach maps, surveys, insurance certificates as PDF exhibits |
| Reminders | Enable automated reminders for unsigned parties and milestone dates |
Electronic completion simplifies distribution and preserves audit trails, but choose platform features to match legal and operational needs.
Ensure the chosen platform supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, secure storage (AES-256), and an audit trail that documents intent, attribution, and retention.
| 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, no credit card required | Free trial available | Free trial available | Free trial available | Free trial available |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium tier) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Enter in MM/DD/YYYY format; starts contractual obligations
Specify start and end dates and any seasonal limits
State payment timing such as 'within 30 days of scale ticket'
Require proof before work begins
File required permits before scheduled harvest
A family landowner sells stumpage to a local mill to fund estate expenses
A timberland manager arranges a commercial clearcut under a long-term sale contract