Brunswick County Board of Commissioners ACTION AGENDA ITEM February 17, 2020

Action Item # VII. - 6.

Request that the Board of Commissioners approve the sale of timber on the Old IP (South) Tracts 20, 21, 22, 23 as identified in the Forest Management Plan to both Forestree, Inc., (Tract 20) and Canal Wood LLC (Tracts 21, 22, 23) in the amount of $527,282.30 and authorize the Chairman and Clerk to the Board to approve contracts.

In July of 2017 the Board approved an agreement with Woodsrun Consulting Forestry to market, bid, and supervise the harvest and planting of forested tracts that are overseen by the Public Utilities Department.  It was determined there was a need to develop a plan for the timber resources on each of these parcels. Due to the land intensive nature of our operations there is great concern for destruction of these assets by fire, disease, insects, hurricanes, operation and maintenance issues, etc., whereby if not properly managed, this resource can become a liability. 

Woodsrun Consulting Forestry developed a Forest Management Plan for these tracts and the Old IP (South) site was determined to consist of mature trees that should be harvested. As part of the recently completed Biosolids Management Plan provided by Dewberry Engineers (Phase I), it was recommended the county pursue a long-term goal of centralizing biosolids operation for ultimate disposal on county-owned lands. As part of this plan staff plans to begin permitting of this tract as a biosolids management site after harvesting is completed, pending Board approval. The sale of this timber was advertised in accordance with NCGS 160A-268 that governs the sale of property.  Moreover, the consultant sent the advertisement to over 100 timber buyers.  On January 31, 2020, bids were received from six timber buyers and both Forestree, Inc., and Canal Wood LLC were the highest bidders for tract as described above in the amount of $527,282.30. In accordance with the agreement with Woodsrun Consulting Forestry, payments will be made to them and after retainage of an 8% commission, will forward the remainder of the sales amount to Brunswick County. 

Staff recommends award of the sales agreement to both Forestree, Inc., and Canal Wood LLC in the amount of $527,282.30.