Securing the future of your forestland
Succession planning is a crucial step in ensuring your forestland continues to thrive and reflects your values after you’re gone. Thoughtful planning can help avoid family disputes, ensure financial stability and preserve the legacy of sustainable forest stewardship for future generations.
What is succession planning?
Succession planning involves preparing for the future ownership and management of your forestland. It’s about passing on your legacy, ensuring the land is managed according to your wishes and maintaining its value for future generations. Without a plan, your forestland may face family disputes, forced sales or subdivision, which can fragment the property and its intended purpose.
Why start now?
Starting early allows you to explore strategies such as trusts, conservation easements or family agreements, providing you with more options for achieving your goals. Proactive planning helps reduce stress by avoiding rushed decisions during crises and ensures smoother transitions. Additionally, early planning fosters improved communication that may align expectations among family members and help identify potential challenges before they arise.
Ties to the Land
Learn more about succession planning in Oregon State University Extension’s Ties to the Land: Succession Planning for Rural Landowners guide. This comprehensive resource is designed to help you plan for the future of your property. It provides practical tools and worksheets, as well as activities to guide you through the process of assessing and strengthening your family’s connection to the land.
Seek professional advice
Succession planning can be complex, and every family and property is unique. While the Ties to the Land guide and other tools provide an excellent starting point, professional advice can help ensure your plan is thorough, legally sound and aligned with your goals.
Consider consulting with the following experts to strengthen your succession plan:
- Estate planning attorneys, to draft wills, trusts and other legal documents that secure your property’s future.
- Accountants and tax advisors, to understand the financial implications of your plan, including taxes and inheritance considerations.
- Forestry professionals, to develop or update a management plan that aligns with your long-term vision for the property.
- Mediators or family counselors, to facilitate productive conversations and address family dynamics that may impact decision making.
Working with professionals ensures your plan is robust and addresses the financial, legal and interpersonal aspects of transitioning your property to the next generation.
Planning for the future: The role of a forest management plan in succession
A forest management plan is more than just a tool for day-to-day operations — it’s a vital piece of your legacy. As part of the succession planning process, a well-crafted plan can ensure your forest is managed sustainably for generations to come. It provides clear guidance on how to achieve long-term goals, such as timber production, wildlife habitat or recreation, while helping heirs understand the land’s value and the responsibilities of caring for it.
Consider creating or updating your forest management plan as an essential step in your succession journey. It’s an investment in the future of your family and will ensure they know your forest. Visit the forest management planning page to learn more about updating or creating your plan.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PUBLICATIONS
Estate Planning for Forest Landowners: What Will Become of Your Timberland?
This U.S. Forest Service guide provides practical strategies for passing forestland to the next generation. It covers tax planning and legal considerations, along with sustainable management tips to help landowners secure their timberland’s future and legacy.
VIDEOS
Thinking About the Future of Your Forest
Discover key considerations and strategies for succession planning to ensure a smooth transition of your land to the next owner.