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U Gaertner reported that according to the recent chip mill report ( Duke / NC State ) about 350 , 000 acres in NC were harvested (" cost shared ") and sent to chip mills over a 21 -year period through 1999 . Before 1978 , he estimates 250 , 000 acres . There was probably a million acres cost shared for bulldozer removal or herbicide removal - - the same kinds of junk trees that are being sent to chip mills now . The concern is whether more than just the junk " trees are being sent to the chip mills . Gaertner referred to an article " Forestry Pays the Most to Those with Patience & Vision " included in the handouts . ( Describes trees for selective cutting ) . He suggested focusing on finding ways to promote the benefits of selective cutting and being more patient with their timber harvesting . Many people who are so inclined have trouble finding foresters who will steer them in that direction . Compared with the cost of buying timberland or buying timber rights for conservation purposes , the cost of a forest management plan using Forest Stewardship Council criteria is about $ 20 per acre for a typical 100 acre tract . We should attempt to do more to guide forestry rather than regulating forestry , which frightens loggers and consultants . Gaertner suggested that Orange County consider establishing a county - sponsored cooperative of forest landowners . People shopping for houses might be willing to pay an additional $ 1000 fee if they knew the timber came from a certified source of sustainable forest trees . An example of a program with a certified sustained source in the U . S . is the Forest Stewardship Council . Where there are about 30 million acres certified in Europe there are only about 15 million acres in the US . Consumers look for the Forrest Stewardship Council logo on wood products . It 's so big in Europe , the majority of wood products have the logo , or otherwise the products are shunned . McIver asked what could be done to encourage timber owners to let their stands mature , then cut selectively $ and what type of things , ordinance - wise , can be done by a local government to encourage landowners not to clear - cut or develop their forest property ? Gaertner suggested setting up a program for purchase ( or donation ) of development rights with conservation easements . Stancil asked what would Gaertner suggest as a way to start making some things happen locally ; are there any foresters active in this county who are members of the Guild , or is there a way that the Forest Service might help ? Gaertner noted that he is one of five consulting foresters in NC who has used Forest Stewardship Council criteria in their timber management . Environmental groups pushing this sort of thing , but it needs to take hold at a more grass - roots level . Draft CFE 2/ 12/01 Minutes Page 3 of 6