Stumpage prices

Forest regions and market areas | Bare land | Stumpage | Waterfront

2026 Forest stumpage values by region
Note: The values displayed for Regions 6 and 7 area historical values and do not represent the current values used in appraising taxable state-owned forestland. New stumpage values for these regions are under development and will be available for the 2027 Roll Year.

Summary of timber merchantability standards by forest regions

Specifications of merchantability standards in this report are generally a reaffirmation of previous surveys as determined through personal contacts with timber buyers, sellers, consulting foresters and agents in previous surveys, as well as the present survey. The specifications are those generally recognized by the industrial users of timber and adhered to by the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services (ORPTS) Forestry unit in the valuation of forestland.

Development of stumpage prices

It has been the practice of the Forest Land Appraisal unit of ORPTS to periodically conduct a wood-using industry study for the purpose of obtaining timber stumpage values and timber merchantability standards which are required for the effective appraisal of standing timber.

During this study, after the stumpage data is collected, it is trended on graphs to adjust any short term or sporadic fluctuations in the market. After trending, the values are mathematically adjusted for various volumes and logging conditions. For example, trees grown on steep or rocky ground far from an established road are more expensive to harvest. The stumpage value of such wood is generally less than trees growing on flat ground near a road. Mathematical adjustments are based on research done by the U.S. Forest Service, which is published in the Forest Service Handbook on Timber Appraisal. It is the goal of this stumpage report to accurately reflect general, overall market conditions and smooth out short term shifts in the price of timber.