Private nonindustrial forest land

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Private nonindustrial forest lands are forest lands in various countries, owned by private individuals or organizations that do not also own a wood processing facility.

Nonindustrial private forests cover about 360 million acres in the United States, or roughly one-half of the nation's total forested acres. [1]

Nonindustrial private forests or “NIPFs” are unlike public or industrial forests. Most of these forests are small, family owned, and timber-producing. In terms of size, 95 percent cover less than 100 acres, and 60 percent cover less than 10 acres. [2] [3] Due to parcellization, the number of NIPF owners has increased in recent decades, while the average tract size has shrunk. [4] [3] Nonetheless, at 360 million cumulative acres, nonindustrial private forests constitute a significant portion of the nation's undeveloped land. [3]

Most nonindustrial private forests are family owned. Title to 250 million acres,. or 70 percent of all NIPFs, is held by individuals, married couples, or family estates and trusts. [5] [3] These family owned forests tend to pass from generation to generation. Those that are not family owned are held by partnerships, tribes, or corporations. [3]

See also

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References

  1. Smith, W.B., P.D. Miles, J.S. Vissage and S.A. Pugh. 2002. “Forest Resources of the United States.” USDA, Forest Service (2002) General technical report. NC-241, 2004.
  2. Kuhns, M. R.; Brunson, M. W.; Roberts, S.D. (1998). "Landowners' Educational Needs and How Foresters Can Respond". Journal of Forestry. 96 (8): 38–43.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Watson, R. (April 2012). "Market access and forest stewardship".[ dead link ]
  4. Zhang Yaoqi Zhang Daowei John Schelhas (2005). "Small-Scale Nonindustrial Private Forest Ownership in the United States: Rationale and Implications for Forest Management". Silva Fennica. 39 (3): 443–454.
  5. Butler, Brett.J.; Leatherberry, Earl.C. (2004). "America's Family Forest Owners". Journal of Forestry. 102 (7): 4–9.
PD-icon.svg This article incorporates public domain material from Jasper Womach. Report for Congress: Agriculture: A Glossary of Terms, Programs, and Laws, 2005 Edition (PDF). Congressional Research Service.