Do most private land owners manage woodlands to reduce the impact of wildfires?
Surveys have found that the majority of private landowners take measures to prevent wildfires on their land.
A 2011 survey of non-industrial private forest owners in Oregon found that 70% treated their holdings to reduce hazardous fuels, including clearing brush, grazing livestock and pruning trees. Landowners who lived on their property were eight times more likely to use such measures than those with primary residences elsewhere.
Another study of family owners in 13 states found that two-thirds of respondents took measures to prevent fires on their land. This study also found that landowners who did not live on their land were less likely to take preventative action.
As of 2019, 58% of forests and woodlands in the U.S. were privately-owned, with most belonging to families, individuals, trusts and estates. A smaller share was owned by corporations.
