An inventory provides a forest landowner with an accurate estimate of their timber volume and forest composition.  This can be used for future forest practices and to value the timber.

 Uses for an inventory / appraisal:

• Forest Management Planning: You need to know what you have to manage it correctly.
• Determining a Tax Basis: Timber is usually a very important part of your tax basis when owning timber or farm land.
• Buying or Selling Land: You want to make sure you don’t overpay for timber land if you are buying.  If you are selling you want to make sure you don’t under-sell.  A timber appraisal is always a good idea before a land transaction.