Private forest owners of the Central Hardwood Forest

A recently completed survey of woodland owners provides insight into the owners of private forest lands in the Central Hardwood Region. There is increasing parcelization of forested lands and an increase in the numbers of nonindustrial private forest-land owners. Over half of the private owners have harvested timber from their holdings at some time in the past, they control three-quarters of the private forest. Owners have a positive attitude toward timber cutting at a time when there is greater demand for products from the forest. Because private forest owners have virtually total authority over their lands, it is essential that we monitor this resource and maintain good stewardship to ensure continued productivity for future generations.