### Question
Can you define what merchantable timber means?


### Answer
**Merchantable timber** is defined as the following in *16 U.S.C. § 3831*:

> timber on private nonindustrial forest land on which the average tree has a trunk diameter of at least 6 inches measured at a point no less than 4.5 feet above the ground

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 3831*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 58-ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION AND RESERVE PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER IV-AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION PROGRAM > Part I-Comprehensive Conservation Enhancement Program > subpart b-conservation reserve**

