Thanks again for all the info. This forum has a heap of knowledge and helpful folk in regards to just about anything.
I took the advice of the forum and got some more quotes. The best quote is from Parton lumber out of Rutherfordton/forest city, I called their Lenoir office which is not far from the location in Smokey Creek. They immediately sent a young forester that is on staff. I know he works for them but It felt like he worked for me. He was really impressed with the timber. I showed him everything I want cut and he came back with an offer of 10-12000 and a free rd. That beats the heck out of 2000 maybe and a free rd. He also said that he has guys that just cut and run and other crews that are better for leaving a neat site when done. Being that I don't want a mess he will send the neater fella and his crew. He said I would get 5K up front and then a check for the board feet each week. The other logger offered 70$ a thousand board feet for the timber. This fella laughed at that and said they would give apprx. 120$ per thousand. Paton also has workers comp...
Thanks and I will update with the results and some pics over the process for those interested.
