Family Landownership Issues

Millions of acres of family-owned forest land will change hands in the United States within the next decade. Most of these transfers will happen with virtually no planning.

In Oregon more than half of the forest landowners are over 65. The situation is similar in other states. Although most of these landowners say they want to keep the land in the family and pass it on to the next generation, few have taken the steps to do so.

Passing forest land on to the next generation is a process of financial, legal, and emotional dimensions. In order for both the land and the active commitment to its stewardship to successfully transfer, three transactions must occur:

• The land itself
• Commitment to good management
• Passion for the land

Succession planning is difficult at the best of times. When forest land is at stake, the differences among family members in values, goals and lack of critical skills can lead to disaster. Without an effective plan, the owners' intentions may not be followed. This may put the future of the land in doubt. Whether the property is to stay in the family, be given protection in a conservation easement, or another agreed-to outcome, family communication is critical.

Effects on the community

Impacts on the landscape also loom large. Many family forest lands lie on the edges of metropolitan areas. They provide important economic, ecological and social amenities to communities throughout Oregon and the nation. With a change of ownership comes a potential for change of use.

The US Forest Service projects that about 23.2 million acres of forestland will pass out of forest use over the next 50 years. Most of these acres will be privately owned, nonindustrial forest lands converted to residential subdivision.

The fate of family forest lands is an issue not only for the families involved, but also for communities. It is an important social issue, with implications at a landscape scale.

Explore the Issues:

• The New Generation of Private Forest Landowners: Brace for Change
  by Catherine Mater, senior fellow, Pinchot Institute
  Pinchot Letter (winter 2005) main story page 1, interview on page 14
• Family Forests: What Will the Next Generation Do?
  by Catherine Mater, senior fellow, Pinchot Institute
  October 2005 presentation to the National Association of State Foresters
• Forests on the Edge: Housing Development on America's Private Forests
  The changes in housing density documented by Forests on the Edge have implications for the condition and management of affected private forests and the watersheds in which they occur. Visit this webpage to learn about the report's key findings, their implications or to download a copy of the report.