We are a statutory road association of approximately 95 owners/lots.  One of the lots is being harvested for lumber.  We have approached the forester who represents the logging company doing the harvesting and expressed concern over potential road, bridge and culvert damage. The logging company has agreed to compensate our association for road damage.  They are asking how much money we would be asking for use and damage. 

Has anyone had experience with this? What should we be considering?  It makes sense to take pictures of problem areas beforehand.  I'm concerned about truck weights and bridge capacity.  

Thank you.

We have had a mixed bag of experiences.  Generally before and during operations they are good and the roads have had some improvements done to them.  My caution to you is to be aware of when they are nearly done.  Once finished, sometimes the goodwill goes out the window and they pack up and leave without reviewing with the association further restoration.  Bottom line is that improvements are for their benefit, not the association.  Since it is difficult to monitor depending on the size of the association land and the State has no real jurisdiction on private roads regarding logging damage, it will help if you inform the lot owner they will ultimately be responsible for damage and restoration.  This should help with a clean wrap-up of the work.  Before photos are also a very good suggestion if things go south and you need to pursue compensation.