When Rotarian Mickey Simmons asked consulting forester Glenn Austin to speak to the Winnfield club on June 4, he asked him to focus on the topic of “Is Timberland still a good investment for Winn Parish Landowners?”

Simmons selected Austin due to his 36 years of experience in helping landowners through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (recently retired) and who now is with Forestland Associates.  The guest discussed current market trends.     

He talked about local marketing options of timber and the future of timberland as an investment.  Austin is optimistic for the long term markets with hope of future mills or markets to handle the current excessive pine pulpwood market.    

Austin also stated that currently in terms of a timberland investment on smaller tracts, it may be worth more for the investor to sell the tracts (if there are no “generational ties” to that land) due to an increase in outdoor enthusiasts wanting to own their own recreation and hunting properties.   Don’t overlook any existing timber value.

The Winn native and lifelong resident told Rotarians that due to his family-owned timberlands here, he understands both the market side and consumer side of the process.  In his new role, he has also acquired a real estate license for timberlands.