Listening to longleaf landowners: Responding to the decline in CRP

Our study is about helping landowners bring back the longleaf pine forest, an important type of forest in the southeastern U.S. This forest is home to unique plants and animals, helps clean the air and water, and is better at handling tough weather than other forests. We want to learn why some landowners join programs that support growing these trees and why others don't. We are especially focused on understanding the challenges faced by minority landowners, like African American families with heirs' property. By listening to their stories, we hope to find ways to make these programs easier for everyone to join, so more longleaf pine forests can grow and thrive for future generations.