Review of post-settlement influences on eastern United States forest landscapes: the rise of the forest business and evolving income opportunities

Wealth maximization by forest landowners in the United States has evolved since European settlement, in part due to markets for forest-based goods that existed at each point in time and the perception of landowners regarding their ability to generate revenue by supplying these markets with materials grown or found. Early forest investment activity had a few objectives: harvest timber for a growing society and provide revenue for landowners; many forested lands were converted to agricultural uses. Other lands were abandoned after forest harvest activities and left to naturally regenerate through secondary succession processes because of the inability of landowners to pay property taxes. However, management of forest lands in the United States as a business opportunity has created wealth for forest landowners, helped produce products for society, and aided in stabilizing the area covered by trees. Opportunities to generate revenue from other natural capital resources of forested landscapes have arisen. These opportunities often, however, require information, effort, or financing beyond the reach of smaller forest landowners.