Area Firm Wins Bid for Timber

Trees Will Be Harvested Near Coopers Rock

Morgantown Dominion Post
9 October 2011
By Chelsea Fuller

An area company has won the rights to timber 177 acres in Coopers Rock State Forest.

Allegheny Wood Products was the high bidder in a recent auction, bidding $231,963.10.

Sealed bids were taken on more than 15 tree species. The minimum bid was set at $115,495.70.

“We are glad they purchased it, and we are looking forward to working with the company,” said Barbara Breshock, state lands manager with the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

According to Breshock, Allegheny Wood Products has contracted Darrin Dalton, a respected professional in the timber industry who has worked with Coopers Rock State Forest in the past.

“Dalton is very conscientious about what he does; we are looking forward to working with him as well,” she said.

As stipulated by the Division of Forestry and the state forest, Allegheny will sign a two-year contract, and must deplete the timber before the contract ends.

“They have up to two years to clear the lot — all marked trees have to be cut or ‘girdled,’ ” said Andrew Dick, landowner assistance forester at Coopers Rock.

Girdling a tree involves cutting a groove all the way around the trunk to interrupt the flow of sap, killing the tree.

Allegheny Wood Products public affairs director Donna Reckart said they do not know when timbering will begin, but it will be in the near future.