How is national forest timber sold?

More than 25,000 sales are made each year. About 90 percent of all the sales are made to small producers of fuel wood, pulpwood, posts, sawlogs, or other forest products. Sales under $500 in value may be made to individuals or companies by local forest officers without advertisement if competition for the timber is lacking. Sales in excess of $500 are advertised and sold to the highest acceptable bidder. In no case is national forest timber sold at less than its appraised market value. It must be paid for in advance of cutting; permits or contracts make adequate provision for protection and preservation of the soil, water, and remaining stand of timber.