Well, you've chosen CTL already. Make sure your ground is not too steep. We will assume it is not. First, research the various loggers. Go look at what they've logged and talk to their customers. Is there a logger certification program there? Do you have county or state foresters? The latter would be good to consult. Getting a good logger would be a high priority. Consult a forester to figure out that 10 year plan. I'm assuming it is a big enough acreage to be logged without a loss?
I'm just answering in general. I know nothing about maple sap harvesting, except if you boil off the sap at night, evil spirits will find a way to interfere--Chippewa/Ojibwe lore and confirmed by a guy I worked for.
A good operator using a processor can do an excellent job. Be advised that trees will have to be cut so the machinery can move through. Some processor operators do not know that their machine has a reverse--stay away from those. The processor can move around a bit. A forwarder needs to move in straightlines, or trees will get scarred up. That's something else to consider.
Are your trees in rows? If so, how are your rows spaced? Trees planted in rows where I worked were 10 feet apart. That is too close for processors to fit through so we took out a row for it and to use as a skid trail. The processor could reach from that opening and get the sticks close to the skid trail for the forwarder.
Minimizing damage? Read the first paragraph. Then, before logging starts, walk through the area with the logger. Let them know what you want, then listen to what they can do to meet what you want. A good logger will do that. Will you need to mark the trees to cut? Or can you find an excellent logger who can best minimize damage by cutting what he knows you want, and what he needs to move around in without a lot of damage. Those folks are out there but chances are they'll be busy because they are good. Then, go over how YOU can go out and be safe during operations, or maybe in the evenings after they are done, and be safe. Walk through your area and check things. This is very important to do on the first day. Ask questions. But be very careful about approaching working equipment. They have STAY BACK 300 FEET printed on them and there's a reason for that. If you can throw, a universal signal for "I need to talk to you" is to throw a stick so it crosses horizontally in front of their cab where they see it. Don't approach until they shut things down. You need to go over that with them. Minimize damage to your soil by discussing and agreeing when operations should stop if there is wet weather. I've seen logging equipment up to its belly in deep mud and it doesn't look pretty during or after. If a logger talks about that being fun, run away.
And, get a contract.
Limbs and tops can be smashed down in the skid road. A good operator will put some of the limbs in the skid trail. That provides a bit of cushioning for the soil while the forwarder goes back and forth. If a skidder is used, that's a moot point because the slash will get scraped off by the dragging logs.
Loggers appreciate fresh home made cookies. Those can be served at the first meeting and used as rewards and bribery for good work.
