4.8.4. Timber.The sales comparison approach is also typically the most reliable approach to value for properties involving timber.1005 Appraising property with a potential highest and best use for timber production typically requires special expertise and analysis, including a timber cruise to inventory the timber involved, evaluation of logging conditions, and investigation of potential timber sales.1006 Such information may be particularly useful as a “check” on the appraiser’s estimate of contributory timber values gleaned from comparable sales and other market data.1007 But it is never appropriate to simply add timber value to land value to determine the market value of the property as a whole.1008 

Important considerations in valuing timber properties may include the quantity and quality of merchantable timber, topography, and feasible logging methods.1009 In addition, applicable local, state, and federal laws may significantly affect the value of forested properties and must be considered in valuations for federal acquisitions. For example, the Ninth Circuit held that “in appraising privately owned forest land in California, . . . evaluation witnesses must determine the highest and best use of the land in a manner that is not violative of the Forest Practice Act of the State of California.”1010