Understanding how California's forest and rangeland owners value land

Ferranto, S., L. Huntsinger, C. Getz, G. Nakamura, W. Stewart, S. Drill, Y. Valachovic, M. DeLasaux and M. Kelly. 2012. Forest and rangeland owners value land for natural amenities, and as financial investment. California Agriculture 65(4): 184-191

Forty-two percent of California’s forests and rangelands are privately owned. These lands provide important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and pollination services, but little is known about the people who own and manage them. We surveyed forest and rangeland owners in California, and found that these long-time landowners value their properties for their natural amenities and as a financial investment. Owners of large properties (500 or more acres) were significantly more likely to use their land for income production than owners of smaller properties, and they were also more likely to carry out or be interested in environmental improvements. Many forest and rangeland landowners reported they had been previously approached to sell their land for development. Only about one-third had participated in conservation programs; few had conservation easements. Our survey can help guide outreach and education efforts, and the development of information, policies, programs and financial incentives targeting landowners. Journal site. Pdf download.