Timber and Mineral rights on your North Carolina mountain and Georgia land

Timber and Mineral rights on your North Carolina mountain and Georgia land

Under North Carolina Law, ownership rights to the minerals on or under the ground can be severed from the surface rights to the land and transferred as a separate estate. The owner of the mineral rights is legally entitled to use the surface of the property to reach and remove the minerals he or she owns. Therefore, before you buy property, check the deed closely to determine whether the mineral rights have been severed and belong to someone other than the owner of the surface rights to the property. The NC division of Land Resources regulates all mining activities in North Carolina.

There are many issues pertaining to timber harvesting on your land. Should you make the decision to harvest timber on your property as a means of income for an extended period, it is suggested that you seek assistance in developing a forest management plan. The North Carolina Division of Forestry can assist you with tree growth rates, information on timber buyers and loggers, identifying road sites, and insects or disease plans.

A point to remember is that forestry practices are required to comply with laws such as NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act. If you timber your property with the soul intention of only harvesting trees, then you must comply with the Best Management Practices outlined in the sediment law. If you have any intention of developing an acre or more of your property following the clearing of timber, you are required to submit a plan to the NC Division of Land Resources. Therefore, it is suggested that you contact the North Carolina Division of Forestry, or the Georgia. Division of Forestry if you live in Georgia, whenever you are clearing timber. They are an invaluable resource.