What We Do

The Family Forest Research Center is a collaboration between the USDA Forest Service and University of Massachusetts Amherst. We study private forests and their owners by implementing and analyzing the National Woodland Owner Survey, National Resource Use Monitoring, and other research initiatives.

Our Vision

To maintain and produce the leading source of data on private forest owners in the United States, empowering decision-makers to make informed choices about forest management and conservation.

A senior couple looks through binoculars while walking in forest.

Our Mission

The Family Forest Research Center studies the behaviors, attitudes, and needs of private forest owners, exploring the social, behavioral, and economic dimensions of forest ownership. This research seeks to improve forest management and conservation efforts to ensure the future health of the nation’s forests, as well as meet the current and future needs of forest owners, communities, and society.

Our Objectives

Conduct cutting-edge, collaborative research with partners, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and universities.
Understand the attitudes, behaviors, and demographics of private forest owners.
Understand the factors affecting private forest owners’ decisions and the effects of these decisions on forest ecosystems and society.
Share our results with policymakers, service providers, landowner groups, non-governmental organizations, forestry professionals, and forest industry professionals to inform effective forest policies, programs, and services.

A National Responsibility

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is legislatively mandated to produce and maintain a comprehensive inventory of the nation’s forests. This mission is fulfilled by the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis program, which consists of four components:

Together, these efforts provide a thorough view of the nation’s forests—capturing their physical, economic, and social dimensions.

On behalf of the USDA Forest Service, the Family Forest Research Center conducts the National Woodland Owner Survey, as well as collaborates with the Northern Region on National Resource Use Monitoring. These efforts generate consistent, nationwide data to improve our understanding of private forest ownership and timber products across the United States.

Why Do We Study Family Forest Owners?

Most of the Forests in the United States Are Privately Owned

More than 10 million private forest ownerships—individuals, families, and corporations—collectively own 60% of the nation’s forests and woodlands. Families and individuals make up the majority of these owners—we call them family forest owners.

Forest Ownership in the United Sates. An estimated 10.9 million families, individuals, trusts, and estates own approximately 259 million acres of forest in the United States. These family forest ownerships control more forests and woodlands than any other group. A pie chart shows the 37% of forests are owned by family forest owners, 22% by corporate owners, 29% by the federal government, 7% by state governments, 2% by local governments, and 2% by Tribal. Notes: Percentages do not total 100% due to rounding. Values exclude Interior Alaska. Source: Family forest ownerships of the United States, 2023.

Who Are Family Forest Owners?

Family forest owners include families, individuals, trusts, estates, family partnerships, and other unincorporated groups of individuals who own private forests. Collectively, they control 259 million acres (37%) of all forest land in the United States. That’s more forest than is owned by the federal government, making them the largest group of forest owners in the country.

A couple walking along a brick path through the woods.

37%

U.S. forests controlled by families and individuals

>10 million

Family forest ownerships in the United States

259 million

Acres managed by family forest ownerships

Light streams down between the leaves of a group of tall redwood trees.

Why Understanding Family Forest Owners Matters

Their decisions shape the future of our forests.

As the largest group of forest owners in the United States, the actions of family forest owners carry significant weight. The cumulative impact of their millions of independent choices—whether to manage, conserve, develop, subdivide, sell, or pass on their land—will directly influence the future of our nation’s forests.

These decisions are often complex. Owners must consider a range of factors, including personal values, financial goals, family dynamics, and outside pressures, all while trying to create a long-term vision for their land.

The National Woodland Owner Survey collects data on family forest owners’ needs, motivations, and challenges for insights into this vital stewardship group.

Using Data to Inform Action

Results of our research are used by:

Service providers to improve communication and offer relevant resources to forest owners
Community leaders to better understand landowner priorities and concerns
Landowner organizations to design programs and educational opportunities for members

—and many others.

Whether it’s a local extension forester discovering how to connect with landowners in their region or a state official evaluating the requirements for a conservation tax credit, the insights from the survey and other landowner research are important for supporting private forest owners and our nation’s forests.

Foresters with hard hats on assessing the forest.