Family Forest Ownership Trends 2013–2023

Family Forest Ownership Trends 2013–2023

Presenter: Dr. Brett Butler

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. MT on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (all are welcome)

Dr. Brett Butler will share insights from the National Woodland Owner Survey that tracks the demographics and opinions of the 11 million family forest owners across the U.S. The latest survey results show both important continuity as well as significant changes. For example, while timber production as a reason for owning declined, concern about wildfire increased. These results provide important information for understanding the motivations and needs of family forest ownerships and are essential for monitoring the impacts of existing programs and services, as well as informing future programs and services. The Guild will continue the conversation about connecting with family forest owners at the Future of Forest Stewardship Workshop this September in Maine. (You can read the full paper at: https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/80753)