Ties to the Land

As a woodland owner you are aware of the devastation your trees face from invasives, disease, and unplanned fire, among other threats.In an effort to tackle the most pressing threats to forest health, every state developed a Forest Action Plan.

Guest Post By Phyllis Ridge, forest landowner and 2012 WaTW Retreat graduate

It’s likely you have children, perhaps grandchildren, and it’s probable that you own forest land too. If you wish your offspring to have some attachment to that land, if you expect them to care for it as you do when you turn it over to them, begin now!

I am so grateful during this season of blessings that my mom took the time over many years to speak with Dad and me about her deep love of our family forestland, her concerns about the forest, her desires for habitat renewal and stewardship, and her vision and goals. I am so grateful she and Dad planned for Mom’s passage by creating a trust, consulting a lawyer, creating a solid will, and communicating directly with me.

On a colorful fall weekend in October 2011, twenty-one women landowners headed out to Camp Susque in Trout Run, PA for the inaugural Women and Their Woods Educational Retreat.