Understanding private forest landowners' experiences as they plan for their forests' future

Forests dominate Pennsylvania covering nearly 60 percent of its landscape. An estimated 750,000 private forest landowners (PFLs) hold 70 percent (more than 12 million acres) of this forest. The number of PFLs increases each year as landowners divide and sell or gift away their forestland. As forestland ownerships increase and change, the potential for urban development increases. The decision making processes PFLs engage when planning for their forestland's future are not well understood. Recent statewide survey results indicate over 52 percent of PFLs plan to leave forestland to more than one heir. Further, approximately 9 percent are planning to subdivide, 27 percent are planning to sell, and 11 percent expressed interest in conservation easements. Using key informant, phenomenological, and semi-structured interviews, this dissertation explores PFLs' motivations and decision-making processes as they plan for the future of their forestland. To provide context and a deeper understanding of how PFLs make decisions about their forestland, I approached those who had recently subdivided and sold forestland, gifted forestland, sold conservation easements, or had not yet committed to any plan in three counties and asked them to tell me about their experiences.;I provide analysis on their planning processes and discuss themes derived from their experiences as they decide to subdivide and sell forestland, leave forestland to heirs, sell or donate conservation easements, or commit to none of these options. Study counties were categorized as being highly developed, moderately developed, or rural. Findings suggest PFLs' relationship and level of attachment to their land influenced their decision. Those who had not committed to any action and sold or donated easements expressed a strong attachment to their land. Conversely, PFLs who subdivided and sold forestland perceived the land as enabling and were less connected to it. In addition, family communication and relationships emerged as important factors in the planning process. PFLs expressed interest in giving land to heirs, particularly in the no action group. Lack of communication with heirs, strong connection to the land, and wariness of their economic future resulted in planning indecision among PFLs in the no action group. Lack of knowledge of planning alternatives among PFLs who subdivided and sold suggested that planning education and information would aid decision-makers. Easement holders perceived having greater control over their land through the easement, which was counterintuitive.