Forest Oversight Retainer
Independent oversight. Clear advice. No obligation to manage.
The Forest Oversight Retainer is designed for forest owners who want experienced, independent eyes on their forest, without committing to day-to-day management.
It provides continuity, perspective, and early warning, supporting good decisions over time rather than reactive ones.
Why Oversight Matters
Forests are long-term assets
Most problems don’t arise from a single event, but from missed signals, delayed decisions, or unclear responsibility
The Forest Oversight Retainer exists to:
keep informed attention on your forest
identify risks before they become issues
provide grounded advice when decisions are required
support owners who are not ready, or do not need, full management
What this Service Provides
The Forest Oversight Retainer includes:
One annual site visit
A structured on-site review to understand condition, access, risks, and recent changes.
ETS oversight
Review of ETS status, claims timing, structure, and key compliance risks.
Annual “state of the forest” note
A concise written summary of condition, issues, and priorities, suitable for owners, trustees, or investors.
Annual strategy discussion
A focused conversation to test options, timing, and direction.
On-call advice during the year
Practical input when questions arise (reasonable use).
This is an advisory and oversight role. Any operational work is agreed separately.
What this service does not include
The Forest Oversight Retainer does not include:
operational forest management
silviculture or contracting
compliance execution
preparation of detailed management plans
supervision of contractors
These services are available separately if required.
Fees and structure
The Forest Oversight Retainer is an annual engagement billed monthly.
$540 + GST per month
12-month minimum term
Invoiced monthly in advance
This structure provides continuity and avoids transactional, ad-hoc advice.
Forest Oversight Retainer
Who this Suits
The Forest Oversight Retainer is typically used by:
trustees and family ownership groups
passive or absentee owners
owners with small to mid-scale forests
landowners considering ETS, conversion, or exit options
new clients wanting to work together before committing to full management
Our Role
Forest Leaders acts as an independent adviser, focused on long-term outcomes and sound decision-making.
We will:
be clear about risks and trade-offs
recommend action when needed
advise restraint when it is appropriate
say when full management is, or is not, warranted
Transition to Full Management
Some clients use the Forest Oversight Retainer as a first step.
Where a client enters into a full forest management agreement with Forest Leaders within 12 months of commencing the Oversight Retainer, Forest Leaders will apply a credit of up to 50% of Oversight Retainer fees paid (excluding GST) against the first six months of management fees.
This credit is not a refund and has no cash value.
Next Step
The Forest Oversight Retainer is offered on a limited basis to ensure quality and independence.
If you would like to discuss whether this service is appropriate for your forest, please get in touch.