The Starke County Forest is about ready for a timber sale. Forester Bruce Wakeland told the County Park Board Tuesday that a 13-acre portion has exceeded what he considers to be the best density level, and up to 20 percent of the trees should be cut down.
Wakeland said he’s been holding off on a timber sale for a few years, due to the recession. Now, he says timber prices are starting to recover, and he hopes to make between $2,000 and $5,000 for the forest. Timber sales are the Starke County Forest’s primary funding source.
Depending on the markets, Wakeland may conduct the sale this fall. Licensed timber buyers would be invited to submit bids for the designated trees. The winner would then be responsible for the logging.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Wakeland told park board members that he’s still having issues with beaver dams in the forest, in spite of the county’s trapping efforts. County officials are still trying to determine who exactly is supposed to pay for the trapping, which costs about $75 per beaver.
Wakeland is also working with the County Highway Department and others to bring sand and repair the forest’s access lane.
