Regarding your issues with regen, best recommendations are willow cuttings (which you already stated), and pay attention to varieties some are more susceptible to disease and preference by rabbits etc, some defoliate quicker than others depending on your climate, don't just buy a variety because you heard that a well known habitat expert recommends - do some research. Another option you have is looking at hemlocks (black spruce/cedar work as well as long as they are not submerged). Of note the Hemlock in PA and NY are experiencing the wooly adelgid symptom and several other fungal diseases.
So to the point of planting, my recommendation is to be careful anytime you are cutting or removing trees in areas that are wet as the regeneration timing will take double to triple time to return to a state that's beneficial to wildlife, its almost better to cut limited and with the local debris or debris you can pull in elsewhere, use these to create better cover rather than a mass cutting. Assuming you don't have a federal restriction, consider moving dirt to these areas as well, they helps create better drainage options for some species, high spots etc. Some wet food tree/shrub type suggestions for you (deciduous) birch, alder, swamp oak...shrub species Id consider are buttonbush, ninebark, winterberry, cranberry.. I cant think of anymore off hand. But if you need more help just ask and we can boil down the options based on the aspect and available sunlight in the area you have.
Regarding your timber situation my recommendation is again be cautious cutting in wet areas, but those areas that you believe you will achieve benefit from consider doing it yourself. If its beyond what you are willing to take on Im sure you can find someone to remove the trees even if its free (like you explained), or as mentioned a pallet opertaion. 18K is a small job, but you'll find someone, the problem you might experience is that the folks you want to do the job will likely do it a time when it could create more disturbance to your land than its worth, and create a negative impact aesthetically regardless of the written contract or the loggers are willing to do it will be some time down the road and you don't want to wait. Also, to get the best input regarding value of your job, take a look at what value trends are in your state or others. Most states are required to post contract values of timber sales. Also, some states (in NY as an example), publicize values for specific species based on board footage, just to give you a value perspective. Id probably be patient and cut myself, leave some timber lying around or standing dead (wet areas with dead timber are a bird/animal paradise) and don't worry about any value lost as a result because your return in wildlife value will be paramount. Based on the species you have identified Im not sure you'd receive a large return regardless (not saying I have any real idea as Im not sure of the quality, just your count), that would lead me done the road of cutting myself for wildlife benefit or permit someone insured to do so and save yourself the labor.
... I think cedar transplants are an option, but will that lead to cedar apple rust on my fruit trees? I don't have any cedars but I am sure my neighbors have a few...
