New Forests Expands US Timber Holdings

New Forests, a prominent global investment manager focused on nature-based real assets, has significantly expanded its United States holdings with the acquisition of a substantial 44,200-acre plantation forestry estate in Washington State. This strategic move positions the firm to capitalize on the robust timber markets of the Pacific Northwest, the second-largest forestry market in the U.S.

The newly acquired land, primarily comprised of Douglas-fir and western hemlock, was previously owned by Campbell Global. Its strategic location offers advantageous proximity to both domestic timber processing facilities and key export terminals, ensuring efficient market access for timber products. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in New Forests' ongoing expansion across the U.S., complementing its existing assets in California, Oregon, and the southern United States.

Beyond timber production, the expansive forest estate presents considerable opportunities for diversified revenue streams. New Forests intends to implement an active harvest program while simultaneously exploring the development of carbon projects. Furthermore, the property's rich ecological landscape, which supports diverse wildlife such as the marbled murrelet and Roosevelt elk, opens avenues for conservation easements and potential renewable energy initiatives, aligning with the growing demand for multi-benefit natural capital investments.

Jeff Briggs, Managing Director for North America at New Forests, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition. "This high-quality asset provides us with a scaled entry into the Pacific Northwest forestry market," Briggs stated. "It strongly supports our investment thesis that sustainable forest management in North America can deliver attractive financial returns while fostering positive environmental and economic impacts within local communities."

Echoing this sentiment, Sam Rorabaugh, Director of Investments for North America at New Forests, emphasized the market fundamentals. "Washington State is a critical global timber market, and this investment grants us access to a prime, well-situated estate," Rorabaugh commented. "Our strategy involves active management, optimizing harvest cycles, enhancing species diversity, and unlocking new revenue streams, including carbon markets, to drive both yield and capital appreciation for our investors."

To ensure operational continuity and foster community relations, New Forests is collaborating with established forest management teams operating on the Olympic Peninsula. This latest transaction follows New Forests' substantial acquisition of a 91,000-acre plantation forest in Oklahoma in November 2024, underscoring the firm's commitment to growing its footprint in the vital U.S. forestry sector. The broader U.S. forestry market, valued in the hundreds of billions, continues to attract significant institutional capital driven by demand for sustainable timber and nature-based solutions.