Current Policy Issues

The damage to our communities, our environment, and our economy from invasive species is tremendous.  Some estimate the damages at over $138 billion annually, due to losses in the forest products industry, the tourism and recreation industry, and woodland owner income.  

The first step to engaging family forest owners in good forest management and long-term stewardship objectives is a solid outreach, education, and technical assistance strategy which can be acheived through participation in USDA Farm Bill conservation programs.

America’s family-owned forests, supply the bulk of the nation’s renewable wood products, but in emerging renewable enery and green building markets, forest products are put at an unfair disadvantage--meaning forest owners have less revenue to reinvest in responsible stewardship.  

Approximately 80 percent of our nation’s fresh water resources originate in forests. America’s family-owned woodlands, the largest forest ownership group in the United States, are essential green infrastructure that supplies the nation with clean water.

Private forests are critical for safeguarding the air we breathe, the water we drink, the sky we see, the wildlife we love, and the inspiration we desire. Of the 751 million acres for forestland, over half (56 percent) is managed privately and of that, individuals or families own 262 million acres (62 percent). Too often, these private forests are put at risk as owners may be forced to sell in order to pay property, estate or other taxes.

The nation’s family forests have great potential to fuel the next generation of America’s renewable energy. Additionally, generating renewable energy from sustainably managed family forests means family forest owners will have additional markets and revenue streams, which in turn further incentivize family forest owners to keep their forests as forests.

Our nation’s forests, owned mostly by families and individuals, are a critical piece to addressing the threat of climate change. 

Fire typically conjures images of destruction. However, most forests rely on fire to reduce dense underbrush, restore nutrients to the soil, and provide important wildlife habitat. 

Family-owned forests, along with other private forests, farms and ranches are home to over two-thirds of the listed endangered species. These landowners value management and protection of family forests as a means to conserve habitat, to ensure the conservation of endangered and threatened species.