Andrew Prom
Kaia is using a laser to measure tree height.
This week, my partner Kaia and I were assigned a special task. We were given the opportunity to go take inventory on a prospective purchase, which is an area of land that Starker is looking to potentially buy. Before any plans to get the land can be made, however, there are a number of steps we must go through.
One of the top priorities when we went to look at the prospective purchase, as many of you could probably guess, is the trees. Being a forestry company, it is obvious that Starker is looking to access the value of the timberland before any sort of offer for the land can take place. In order to give a better estimate of the number, size and age of the trees on the property, my partner and I were sent out to cruise it. The data we collected can not only be used to estimate the current value of the trees, but also future value when they are closer to harvesting age.
Andrew marking potential roadway in forest Starker is considering to purchase.
The second thing we looked at was if and where it was possible to have roads on the property. Since no current roads exist on the prospective purchase now, my partner and I were tasked with laying out several road system options in order to assure Starker could gain sufficient access to the land if they purchase it. I found this very interesting, not only because it was something new for me, but also because as a Forest Engineering major, road layout is potentially a big deal for my future.
Opportunities like this week’s task are what I have liked most about working as an intern at Starker this summer, because of the diversity of experience and knowledge I have gained. Being able to work on a variety of jobs allows us to always feel like there is something more to learn every day at work.
I look forward to sharing more of my experience with you all again next week!