Forest Legacy Trust | Preserve and Act Today

Stewarding small working forests in the Pacific Northwest from one generation to the next for the people, ecosystems, and economies that depend on them.

The Challenge

Nearly half of small private forests are cared for by landowners older than 65; many are seeking to retire. Those who lack a viable option for succession may feel they have no choice but to sell their properties, which are most often absorbed into industrial ownership or fragmented by development pressures.

Since 2015, more than 1 million acres of working forestland in Oregon has been transferred out of “mom and pop” hands. Meanwhile, soaring land prices make woodlands unaffordable for the next generation of stewards.

Why Small Forests Matter

The largest share of forestland in the United States is privately owned—not by industry or government, but by individuals and families. These working landscapes store carbon, produce oxygen, and protect clean water as well as shelter fish, wildlife, and pollinators. Managed with intention, they reduce wildfire risk and increase abundance—from mushrooms to lumber.

Working forests range from a few acres to thousands. Separately, they are small. Together, they create ecological and community resilience.

Why Forest Stewards Matter

Small forest owners typically prioritize scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and recreation over maximizing financial returns. Stewardship guides their decisions.

In Oregon alone, nearly 60,000 small forest owners care for 3.7 million acres of woodland, with an average holding of 94 acres.

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.” — John Muir

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