Helping Heirs Develop an Interest in the Land by Rich Merk

Maine Woodland Owners is committed to helping small woodland owners develop succession plans for their woodlands so they can know that their life’s work will be passed on to someone who will continue their stewardship efforts. Below is a brief discussion to stimulate landowners to develop succession plans, if they haven’t already.

Why potential heirs don’t express an interest in the land:

›  Perhaps they have an interest but don’t express their interest because they don’t want you to think they want to push you out. In fact, most heirs would rather have you around a long time.

›  They do not want to consider a future without you in their lives, so they don’t want to talk about the future and what might happen to the land.

›  Perhaps your children have not grown up on the property or developed a real bond with the land in the past. They don’t know what the land can mean.

›  They may be afraid of getting the land because they do not know how to manage it, or what your goals and hopes for the land are.

If you think your heirs may have a hidden interest, try one of the following, if appropriate:

•  Discuss with them your passion, feeling of ownership and stewardship.

• Give your heirs permission to think of themselves as owners without feeling like they are being emotionally disloyal to you.

• Set up a structure so your heirs and you can be owners together, and they can participate in the management of the land.

• Begin to groom your heir as a future manager and leader.

At any rate, respect and be ready to accept that your heirs may not have any interest in the land, or may have other more pressing needs and demands in their lives.