Public Landholders

Forests and historic homesteads sold or donated to the public lead to enduring family legacies. Many of the most valuable conservation lands across America came into public hands because of the generosity of private landowners.

 

The path to explore this option is fairly simple. First, develop an idea of what you want your land and your legacy to look like far into the future. Don’t be constrained in your thought. Let others tell you later what is or is not possible among your wishes.

 

Once you have a vision of what you want and understand the implications to your overall estate plan, call the person with decision making authority or influence over the public land you want your land to become part of. Together, both parties can discuss the possibility of making your idea a reality. There may be reasons it can’t happen the way you first envision it, but the idea is to explore the options.

 

For U.S. Forest Service National Forests, the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger nearest you would be the place to start. There is also a Forest Service web resource that leads you to Regional land acquisition contacts.  You probably already know the public landholders near your family forest. If there are no public landholders nearby, you might explore options for making your property a new public forest, park, or heritage site.

 

Finding the right person in the agency you’re approaching is the next most important step to success. When you make the call, be clear so the listener can best help you. Let listener know, “I’d like to speak with someone with decision making authority over land acquisitions.”