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The vast majority of Ohio's 400,000 woodland owners have not sought professional advice on how to manage their woods, according to Andy Ware, assistant chief of the Ohio Division of Forestry. However, 40 percent have sold timber in the past five years.

Ware tells the story of a couple who recently came to see him after a logger harvested 90 acres of their woods then disappeared without paying. Similar stories of loggers who damage property, cut unapproved trees and destroy woodlands, while perhaps not indicative of the logging industry, are not uncommon.

A new campaign hopes to prevent situations such as these by urging woodland owners to talk with a professional forester before they authorize a harvest of trees. Its slogan: "Call before you cut." Woodland owners interested in consulting with a forester can reach a live operator by calling 877-4-B4-UCUT.

"There are very few situations where I think it doesn't make sense to have a forester there," said David Apsley, an Ohio State University Extension natural resources specialist.

He said foresters can determine which trees should be cut and help owners understand their logging contract. He noted many landowners only go through a timber harvest once.

"(Landowners) can't know the ins and outs of what it’s worth and what should be harvested and when (or) how to get the best price," he said.

He said while foresters usually work for a percentage of the profit of the timber sale, their expertise pays off.

"In almost every case, the landowner's net (profit) is going to be greater in the end," he said.

Ware said in addition to protecting landowners, the program will help sustain Ohio's forestry resources.

"If you look at a forest, it may take certain species 80 to 100 years to mature or recover," he said.

Ware said the campaign will also promote the Ohio Master Logger program. Master loggers are typically full-time loggers who are extensively trained in best management practices.

"Talk to a forester, use a master logger to do a harvest and protect yourself financially," he said.

Apsley said landowners should make a plan for their woods and get help wherever they can get it.

"The biggest thing that I would recommend is don't jump in too quick. Do your homework. It's a huge financial decision," he said.

To find a master logger in your area, visit www.ofbf.org and click on Featured Links.