Forest resources are vital to the social and economic well-being of society. Good management of these forest resources requires a thorough knowledge not only of biological factors that affect the resource base, but also a clear understanding of social and economic factors. Woodland owners provide this essential link. Their attitudes -- regarding objectives for owning land, expected benefits, harvesting intentions, and management -- all function within the limits allowed and imposed by society.

To gain insight into this vital component of our forest resource, a national ownership study was conducted by Forest Inventory and Analysis units located throughout the country in 1992. This was accomplished with the cooperation of the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Questionnaires were mailed to 23,334 owners of the 28,194 National Resource Institute's and Forest Inventory and Analysis's sample plot locations that were privately-owned and forested.

Now, a new National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS) has been implemented in conjunction with the Forest Inventory and Analysis annual inventory program. Over 50,000 individuals and groups that own woodland will eventually be sampled. To learn more about this essential study, please visit the NWOS homepage.

For additional information, contact Brett Butler