Timber Harvesting & Intent to Cut Notices
Prior to the harvesting of timber, the State requires the landowner to file an “Intent to Cut” with the Board of Selectmen. All “Intents to Cut” are reviewed by the Assessing Technician and the Conservation Commission. The Town of Henniker’s Timber Ordinance requires a map of the property to be placed in the file with the Intent. The map shall indicate the lot being harvested, the area(s) to be cut, landings and egress onto a town road.
Exceptions
Exceptions to filing an Intent, as determined by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, are as follows:
- 10 MBF or 20 cords fuel wood for personal use by the owner;
- 10 MBF or 20 cords fuel wood for land conversion purposes when all permits have been received;
- shade and ornamental trees, usually considered to be trees within striking distance of a building;
- Christmas trees, fruit trees, nursery stock and short rotation tree fiber;
- any amount of firewood for maple syrup production; and
- government and utilities not selling wood.
If a landowner is unsure if an Intent must be filed or not, s/he should contact the assessing technician.
Road Bonds
If the property is on a Class VI road, the Highway Superintendent/Road Agent may require a road bond. The filing of the form “Permission to Haul Over a Class VI Road” is also required.
Security Bonds
Should the landowner be in arrears on property taxes or a previous yield tax, a security bond (an estimate of the yield taxes due) is required prior to any harvesting.
Deadlines and Doomage
Upon completion of the timber harvest, the signed Report of Wood and Timber Cut shall be filed with the Town of Henniker no later than May 15th to determine the appropriate yield taxes. If the Report of Wood and Timber Cut is not filed by the deadline, doomage (2X estimated yield tax) shall be assessed.