Key Takeaways
- NativState, a forest carbon developer partnering with small private landowners across the U.S. Southeast, has acquired Neeley Forestry Service, a forestry and land management firm serving landowners in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
- Neeley Forestry Service was founded by Jim Neeley in 1972 and is currently led by President JD Neeley, former Chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
- The Neeley Forestry Service team is joining NativState as part of the acquisition, ensuring continuity of service for existing landowners.
- NativState has enrolled more than 750,000 acres across the U.S. timber basket to date, with Neeley Forestry Service adding over 200,000 acres across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
- The acquisition also brings Neeley's Appraisal and Real Estate services into NativState, expanding support for landowners managing and acquiring land.
NativState Acquires Neeley Forestry Service
NativState, a forest carbon developer partnering with small private landowners across the U.S. Southeast, has announced the acquisition of Neeley Forestry Service, a forestry and land management firm serving landowners across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. The acquisition extends NativState's integrated, end-to-end model for landowners, combining carbon development with local forestry expertise and long-term land management.
“By integrating Neeley's extensive forestry expertise and service capabilities into NativState, we look forward to delivering even greater value to our landowner partners while staying grounded in our shared commitment to sustainable forest management. For more than 50 years, Neeley has built deep trust within the landowner community across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, and we are committed to building upon those relationships while expanding the opportunities available to landowners,” said Stuart Allen, CEO of NativState.
A 50-Year Legacy in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas
Neeley Forestry Service was founded by Jim Neeley in 1972 and has served as a trusted advisor to landowners across the region, recognized for its forestry expertise and commitment to responsible land stewardship. The firm is currently led by President JD Neeley, former Chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a longtime figure within the regional landowner community.
As part of the acquisition, the Neeley Forestry Service team is joining NativState, a structure intended to maintain continuity of service for existing landowners and preserve the relationships the firm has built within local communities over more than five decades.
“We're excited to embark on this next chapter with NativState, building on the strong foundation we've established serving landowners in our community. NativState was the right partner for us, given our shared commitment to landowners and dedication to maintaining the integrity of our community. Together, we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional forestry guidance and comprehensive land management solutions while supporting the long-term health of our forests and communities over the long term,” said JD Neeley of Neeley Forestry Service.
NativState's Growing Footprint in the U.S. Timber Basket
NativState has built its track record as a forest carbon developer focused on working forests across the U.S. timber basket, positioning itself as a partner for landowners seeking economic opportunities tied to long-term environmental stewardship. To date, NativState has enrolled more than 750,000 acres of land across the region, and the Neeley acquisition adds over 200,000 acres across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas to that footprint.
What Landowners Gain from the Combined Platform
By integrating Neeley's forestry expertise and management capabilities, NativState expects to expand its role as a long-term operating partner to landowners, offering access to carbon markets alongside ongoing sustainable forestry management, wildlife management, recreational lease support, and broader land management services. The acquisition also brings Neeley's Appraisal and Real Estate services into NativState, giving landowners additional support to understand, manage, and acquire land assets in pursuit of their long-term goals.
