Well of course they wanted to pay appraised value. What other value for things like timber is there? Other than what you think it's worth I guess. hehe.
Typically you'll be offered a dollar figure per acre, plus any applicable damages. Which might be timber, growing crops, and anything else you can come up with. How much per acre is a good figure? Well. That depends on a lot of factors. How much is the land worth? (Back to the appraised value thing). You should get a larger per acre number for a larger amount of acres. If it's a 3 acre site you wont be able to get as much out of them (per acre again) as if it's a 10 acre site.
Also make sure you dont have a clause in your lease that states a "liquidated damages" amount. If there is a clause like that in your lease, you'll get paid that much per acre + any additional damages (timber, crops, etc).
My concern is on a 5 acre pad appraised value would be minimal for what they are receiving...some one correct me if i'm wrong. I think there should be some per acre damage.
There typically is a per acre damage, but it's going to vary. I've seen between $2500 and up to, well, lots higher numbers depending on where it is. However, I'd say between $2500-$6500 is probably average.
You can call any sawmill and ask what they are paying, it's a standard question. I know there is one in Red River parish I used to use.... gosh can't think of the name.