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@rc51stierhoff , don't know what your NC Forestry Plan calls for.
Timber markets have been wonky lately. Both softwoods and hardwoods.
Just point of interest, a friend recently sold ~110,000 board feet of timber in upstate New York. Mostly hardwood; ash, black cherry, hard maple, red oak, but did have 12-15mbf of hemlock. At least some of the ash had been hit by EAB.
Stumpage price $1+/bf, which is really good in my estimation. After looking at the tally, probably some pretty high-quality stuff, especially the cherry, maple and oak. Buyer is betting on some veneer logs coming out of there......
He had a good Forester mark, tally and bid it. His return more than paid for the consulting fees IMO.
If you do have a "mandatory harvest," consider a good forester. Worked for this fellow. (I'm educated as a Forester and Biologist. Haven't been in the industry, but follow it)
As far as the other parcel, now that you're retired have you considered Christmas trees for part of it? That is short-rotation Forestry. Should work with NC's Plans?
Could be considered in conflict with Pollinator/Preservation Habitat due to maintenance and some pesticide requirements, especially if near watercourses....