General Program Guidelines

  • For woodland owners with 20 acres or more

  • One visit per woodland owner whenever there is a change, like a blowdown event or major snow damage

  • Encourage woodland owners to get a stewardship plan and potentially enroll in 2c or SFIA

How to Perform a CBYC Visit

  1. Obtain landowner information from MFA

  2. Visit Woodland Owner

  3. Email invoice and Assessment Report(s) to cbyc@minnesotaforestry.org and droerick@gmail.com:

    Invoice Requirements

    • Use this Invoice Template

    • Must be submitted in PDF format

    • The title of the invoice must use the following formula:

      [Last Name] or [Company Name]_[Woodland Owner Name]_[Date]_CBYC_INVOICE.pdf

      Example: Huberty_Roerick_March 12 2025_CBYC_INVOICE.pdf


Report Requirements

  • Use this Assessment Report Template

  • When filling out the form, use your best judgement to fill out the necessary fields.

  • Must be submitted in PDF format

  • The title of the report must use the following formula:

    [Last Name] or [Company Name]_[Woodland Owner Name]_[Date]_CBYC_REPORT.pdf

    Example: Huberty_Roerick_March 12 2025_CBYC_REPORT.pdf

 
 
 

What does Call Before You Cut provide?

Call Before You Cut (CBYC) is a free program for all Minnesota’s woodland owners who want forest management guidance on determining if a woodland timber harvest is the right for them. With the support of the Minnesota DNR, the Minnesota Forestry Association provides up to a half-day walkthrough of your woods by a professional forester at no cost to you if you own 20 acres or more. If you own less than 20 acres, call the MFA Forester Help line 218-879-5100 for further assistance.

Should you harvest timber from your land?

For private woodland owners, our woods represent one of our most valuable assets. The decision to harvest, and how to do so, can either improve or set back the future value of our land, its potential for wildlife habitat, and as a source of pleasure for your family and future generations.

There are several reasons why we might decide to harvest timber:

  • For income

  • To improve wildlife habitat

  • To improve the overall health of our woodland

  • To salvage timber damaged by a storm, insects, etc.

Whatever our reason for harvesting, MFA recommends working with a professional forester because they are uniquely qualified to assist us with a timber harvest plan that meets our expectations. We stress again that MFA accepts no payment from any forester or logger in exchange for our recommendation.

 

What is the Minnesota Forestry Association?


MFA has been supporting healthy Minnesota forests since 1876. As the oldest, non-profit association in the state through contributions, grants and memberships, MFA collaborates with others to sustain our forests for future generations. While we hope all Minnesota’s woodland owners consider joining MFA, our Call Before You Cut program is open to everyone, member or not.

 

In collaboration with the Minnesota DNR, the Minnesota Forestry Association and the Call Before You Cut program provides up to a half-day, free woodland visit to help you decide if a woodland timber harvest is right for you.