Direct investment in timberland typically entails engaging investment experts with forestry expertise to build and manage portfolios of assets that are consistent with investors’ risk and return profiles.

Investments in timberland are usually made through individually managed separate accounts, which consist of one or more timberland properties, or pooled funds, which offer investors pro-rata interests in a collection of timberland assets.

A variety of investment structures and vehicles can be employed to invest in timberland.  The most common of these at present are limited partnerships, limited liability corporations and private real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Sources: Timberland Markets Report, Timberlink