Fifty-six percent of the 751 million acres of forestland in the United States is privately owned.

Of this privately owned land, 62 percent is owned by families and individuals - family forests.

The remaining land is owned by corporations, conservation organizations, clubs, Native American tribes, and others.

Forty-four percent of forestland is publicly owned. The federal government administers 76 percent of the public forestland. State forestry, park, and wildlife agencies account for most of the 21 percent of public forestland that is state-owned. The remaining three percent is owned by local counties and towns.

The 62 percent of forestland is owned by 10 million people who are critical to the sustainability of our nation's forests. These families face ever-increasing pressures and challenges.

AFF offers a clearer understanding of their needs and concerns that can help foster better forest policies, services, and programs. This land is vital to our country now and for future generations.

The American Tree Farm System, AFF's forest conservation, certification, education, and advocacy program, works with more than 90,000 families that own land.

These forest landowners share a unique commitment to protect wildlife habitat and watersheds, to conserve soil, to provide recreational opportunities for their communities, while producing the wood that America needs.

These families hold the key to the kinds of forests, forest activities, and forest resources that future generations will enjoy.

View the voice of a private forest landowner in Washington State.