Who
Owns Wisconsin's Forests?
More than half of the state’s forestland, 57 percent, is owned by private individuals and families. Public agencies own another 30 percent: The state owns 5 percent, the U.S. government owns 10 percent and local governments own 15 percent. Another 7 percent is owned by forest industry, 4 percent by corporations, and 2 percent tribal nations. In total, nongovernmental ownership of Wisconsin's forests is 70 percent.
Why do private forest landowners in Wisconsin own their land?
Most woodland owners in Wisconsin own relatively small parcels. In fact more than one-third (35%) hold fewer than 10 acres of timberland (Leatherberry 2001:3). The most often cited reasons for owning woodlands are: recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, part of residence, part of farm and land investment. Timber production was only listed by 2 percent of landowners as their primary reason for ownership.
For more information go to: www.wisconsincountyforests.com