I have a few wood lots, the first thing I would do is have a logger come in and cut you a check... ask them to drag out the tops so that you could cut it up for firewood. I would then drag out anything else that was dead but not rotting for firewood, $65 to $75 a cord . Go in and get rid of the buckthorn which by the way makes good fire wood. I would then give any trees of lumber quality some breathing space and plant a few apple trees...thin it out a little bit and wait about 20 years for your next check. I have seen 10 acre lots pay for themselves in less than a year.