In New England timber harvest and forestry is a cornerstone of the economy, especially in Vermont. It is also one that is dominated by the family forest owner. By that I mean the land is owned privately and the parcel of land is not exceptionally large. The U.S. Forest Service’s National Woodland Owner Survey found that 61% of family forest owners hold parcels of land in the 1-9 acre range. This points to the fact that so much of the U.S forest land is fragmented.

forest land ownership map 2006

This blog focuses on the approximately 10% of family forest owners that use their land for timber harvest. These owners are having an increasingly hard time keeping the ownership of their land profitable for them due to property taxes. I investigate the benefits of using tax reduction programs and easements to lessen the burden that property taxes have on the owner. I also look at FSC certification and if it can play a role in family forest timber management.