Why We Do It

America’s family-owned forests can help us reach our conservation goals—but their potential has largely been overlooked and undervalued.

Truth is, family-owned forests are vital to conservation efforts. They can increase carbon storage, mitigate catastrophic wildfires, improve wildlife habitat, protect our water, increase sustainable wood supplies and support rural communities. And because private and family-owned forests represent the largest portion of U.S. forestland, their contributions are essential. Especially today, as we face growing threats from drought to development, it’s more important than ever for family forest owners to actively steward their land.