About Sims Forestry Services
Mark D. Sims, Consulting Forester
With over 35 years of experience in Virginia, Mark D. Sims has built a reputation as one of the region's most trusted forestry consultants. A 1976 honors graduate from Penn State University's renowned forestry program, Mark combines deep technical knowledge with practical field experience.
Since establishing Sims Forestry Services in 1987, Mark has helped hundreds of landowners maximize the value of their timber resources while maintaining sustainable forest practices. His commitment to landowner education and transparent business practices has made him a respected figure in Virginia's forestry community. View our comprehensive forestry services or schedule a consultation to discuss your property.
Professional Background
Independent Consulting (1987 - Present)
As owner and principal forester of Sims Forestry Services, Mark provides comprehensive forestry consulting services to private landowners throughout central Virginia. His independent status ensures unbiased advice focused solely on landowner interests.
Continental Can Company (1984 - 1987)
Area Manager responsible for 76,000 acres of timberlands in south-central Virginia. Managed a team including a forester and two laborers, overseeing timber sales, sale preparations, road location, site prep burning, and prescribed burning operations.
Westvaco Corporation (1977 - 1984)
CFM Forester based in Covington, Virginia, specializing in procurement and landowner assistance. Responsibilities included writing forest management plans, timber cruising, laying out timber sales, locating logging roads, and monitoring logging activities on private land and company-purchased timber in Highland, Bath, Allegheny, and Craig Counties.
Nathan Sims, Technology & Development
Nathan Sims brings a modern technological perspective to Sims Forestry Services, combining traditional forestry knowledge with innovative software solutions. Growing up in the forestry industry, Nathan developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing forestry professionals.
As the developer of CRUISE by Sims Forestry, Nathan has created cutting-edge tools that streamline forest inventory and data collection processes. His work bridges the gap between field operations and data management, helping forestry professionals work more efficiently and accurately.
Expertise
- Software development for forestry applications
- Forest inventory data systems
- Mobile application development
- Technology integration in forestry operations
Our Mission
To provide honest, professional forestry consulting services that maximize landowner returns while ensuring the long-term health and productivity of Virginia's forests.
Our Values
- Integrity in all business dealings
- Sustainable forest management practices
- Landowner education and empowerment
- Environmental stewardship
- Fair market value for timber resources
Service Area
Based in Staunton, Virginia, we serve rural landowners throughout Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Our service area encompasses eleven primary counties where we regularly provide forestry consulting services:
Central Virginia Counties
Augusta County, Albemarle County, and Nelson County form the core of our service area. From the forests surrounding Charlottesville to the timberlands near Waynesboro and Lovingston, we work with rural landowners managing diverse woodland properties throughout this region.
Shenandoah Valley Counties
Rockingham County, Page County, Shenandoah County, and Frederick County represent the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. We regularly work with landowners from Harrisonburg north through Luray, Woodstock, and Winchester, providing timber sales management and forest planning services in these productive forestlands.
Mountain Counties
Highland County, Bath County, Allegheny County, and Craig County comprise Virginia's mountainous western region. These rural counties feature some of the state's most challenging and rewarding forestry work, where Mark's extensive experience in mountain timber management proves invaluable.
While these eleven counties represent our primary service area, we occasionally work with landowners in adjacent counties. Our central Staunton location provides convenient access to rural forestlands throughout the region. Contact us to discuss your property, regardless of location.