Forest Landowner Conference

NC & VA Forest Landowner Conference

The Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project and the Black Family Land Trust partnered to convene the North Carolina & Virginia Forest Landowner Conference in Weldon, N.C.

More than 150 people participated in the North Carolina & Virginia Forest Landowner Conference held July 18-19 at Halifax Community College.

Key Takeaways

• Make a family tree to provide clarity on potential heirs to your property
• Make a will to stipulate how your property is to be distributed after your death
• Visit your local office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to get acquainted and discuss your vision for your land
• Contact your local county ranger or forester to maximize the benefits and sustainability of your land by developing a forest management plan
• Become involved in your community by attending forestry and land-related meetings and voicing your views, needs and value to state and federal lawmakers
• The use of a consulting forestry professional often can be justified by the increase in the value, potential and productivity of one’s forestland
• In many counties, the property tax savings from enrolling in North Carolina’s Present-Use Valuation program are substantial.
• Certification of your forestland can increase its value in forest product markets

You can access the conference presentations at the links below:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Presentation (PDF)
• USDA Farm Service Agency Presentation (PDF)
• N.C. State University Extension Forestry Presentation (PDF)
• Halifax County Tax Office Presentation (PDF)