Logging in the Sugar Bush

[OrangeAgain]

We recently purchased a plot of land in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. There is a substantial sugar bush that hasn't been tapped for several years. The land has a Forest Management Plan which I will be meeting with the forester soon to review what needs to be done this year and next to adhere to the plan.

My plan is to contract with a sugar maker for the purchase of sap. I expect that a pipeline system with vacuum will assure maximum sap income.

To what extent can logging occur AFTER a pipeline is installed?

[maple flats]

That depends on how you write the lease contract. I have 2 sugar bushes that are leased. In each the landowner is allowed to log, trying to minimise pipeline damage. I then fix any that is damaged, which is generally limited. That being said, if a logger is going in, the damage potential is likely greater. That also depends on the logger and his contract.

[jason grossman]

logging can be done very easily and to a full extent after a pipeline system is installed. IF proper planning and installation is done. tubing installations can be done to allow full access to the woods. if the installer can identify forest roads, access points and potential areas of harvest or thinning. tubing is a very flexible system and is there to help gather sap and not block access to your woodlot. the other half of the equation is to find a GOOD, qualified logger that will understand your investment in the woods. if you talk with some and you don't like the answers move on! "loggers" are a dime a dozen and sometimes it takes a while to find a good one that will care about your woods as much as you!