logger vs forester for 65 acre harvest

[spidey.]

I was recently approached by a logger wanting to cut hardwoods (like maple, oak, cherry, and ash) across 65 acres. He’s offering $30000 for an estimated 35000 board feet, focusing on a diameterlimit cut of everything over 18 inches
the logger claims hiring a forester is a waste of money, arguing they mark too many small trees and leave the valuable big ones just to secure future work
he also warned that my neighbor's maple syrup lines have already cost me $10000 in stained wood value

however, a forester I spoke with warned that diameter limit cutting is essentially highgrading and could damage the longterm health of the bush.
the logger’s references are happy and he pays upfront, but I’m torn
is it better to trust the logger’s experience, or should I protect my land's future with a professional forester?
has anyone else faced this dilemma? Is $30000 a fair price for 65 acres of mixed hardwood, or am I being lowballed?

 

[GiliathOsborne]

I’d ask for a proper timber cruise and a written bid spec before deciding. Species breakdown, grade assumptions, access roads, landings, cleanup, and damage limits all matter more than the lump number. A forester fee hurts up front, but it can pay for itself fast if it prevents a bad cut or gets you competitive bids.

 

[Steve Woodrow]

I was recently approached by a logger wanting to cut hardwoods (like maple, oak, cherry, and ash) across 65 acres. He’s offering $30000 for an estimated 35000 board feet, focusing on a diameterlimit cut of everything over 18 inches
the logger claims hiring a forester is a waste of money, arguing they mark too many small trees and leave the valuable big ones just to secure future work
he also warned that my neighbor's maple syrup lines have already cost me $10000 in stained wood value

however, a forester I spoke with warned that diameter limit cutting is essentially highgrading and could damage the longterm health of the bush.
the logger’s references are happy and he pays upfront, but I’m torn
is it better to trust the logger’s experience, or should I protect my land's future with a professional forester?
has anyone else faced this dilemma? Is $30000 a fair price for 65 acres of mixed hardwood, or am I being lowballed?

mom was offered $14,000, forester got $30,000 minus his 10%. Go with them and only mark what you want cut but if your ash is still alive cut it now.

 

[What]

Hire an independent timber cruiser, to estimate the value. Call me a skeptic, but I don't trust many people, and certainly not someone wanting to buy my timber.
Is he horse logging it? If not, he is going to scar many trees to, just like anyone else would.

 

[Alan]

I would not decide based on the lump sum yet. Ask for a proper tally and specs. Species mix, grade, access, season, and haul distance change everything. A forester can run a cruise, estimate value, and set it up as a sealed bid or negotiate price per species and grade, and that is how you find out if $30000 for 35000 board feet is fair or not. Also that neighbor maple line stain claim feels like a pressure tactic unless someone actually showed you the damaged logs.