Family forest owners in Michigan who participate in a tax program were studied to see how their land characteristics influence their management decisions. The researchers found that factors like region, forest type, and stand size can predict the types of forest practices these owners choose. This suggests that using data on the land itself, rather than relying on owners' reports, can help predict how private forests will be managed in the future. The study also shows that the tax program is effectively encouraging owners to actively manage their forests, which can promote conservation and stewardship of private lands.