Millions of acres of family-owned forest land will change hands in the United States within the next decade. Ties to the Land, a collaborative initiative in conjunction with the University of California based at Oregon State University, was formed to assist woodland owners pass on their legacy through a succession plan.

The Ties to the Land succession planning program emphasizes communication among families to determine the best plan for their property and the best method of achieving it-an often difficult task when family members have different visions.

Successful succession is a collaborative effort between the family, legal and financial advisors, and natural resource professionals...