Wood & Logging Industry

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Bonded Timber Buyers

Bonded Timber Buyer List

Iowa's Bonded Timber Buyer law states:
"A person who engages in business as a timber buyer without filing a bond or surety with the commission (DNR Forestry) is guilty of a serious misdemeanor."

"Timber Buyer" is defined as a person engaged in the business of buying timber from the timber growers, for sawing into lumber for processing or resale. This does not include a person who occasionally purchases timber for sawing or processing for that person's own use and not for resale. Timber buyer includes a person who contracts with a timber grower on a share-profit basis to harvest timber from the grower's land.

To report illegal timber buying/harvesting, or to report a non-bonded person or company, please click on the following link to contact your local law enforcement officer:

Iowa Law Enforcement Map

Required Forms for Bonded Timber Buyers

Timber buyers in Iowa are required by law to have an application and a surety bond on file with the Iowa DNR before cutting any trees. This law also requires all timber buyers to renew their application by January 1 of each year.

If you want to use a certificate of deposit that is co-owned with Iowa DNR, then complete these forms:

* Iowa law requires a certificate of deposit to be held for one year after receiving this form for redemption: Form NRC72-5

As of July 1, 2020 Timber Transport Certificates are now required to haul logs in Iowa.  Please fill this form out before hauling: Form NRC72-6

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Economic Impact of Iowa's Forests

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Landowner Resources

For general information about harvesting trees check out the links below. To insure that you are making wise management decisions on your property it is highly advisable to meet with your forester, discuss your short and long term management objectives, and assess your resource.

Contact your district forester for assistance.

Publications

Directory of Wood Processors in Iowa

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Call Before You Cut

Interested in a timber sale but need more information?

"Call Before You Cut" provides Iowa specific information about timber sales, advice, and what to expect. (or 515-291-2829)

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