Reporting by Vanessa Johns, Savannah Morning News
Who is truly the biggest landowner in Georgia? In a state known for vast forests and sprawling rural estates, the biggest private landowner might surprise you.
According to the latest 2026 data from World Population Review, Weyerhaeuser, controls a staggering 579,000 acres of private land and 1.9 million acres of federal land.
What is Weyerhaeuser, besides the biggest landowner in Georgia?
Plum Creek was a large timber company that merged with Weyerhaeuser in 2016. Today, the company manages land for wood production, conservation, and recreation.
In Georgia, it owns 300,000 more acres than any other private landowner in the state.
According to investor.weyerhaeuser.com, the company owns and manages 10.4 million acres of timberlands across the United States, making its overall market capitalization approximately $15.6 billion.
Other major landowners in Georgia
According to Land Report, other notable landowners include:
- Benjy Griffith III: Owns 279,000 acres mainly in Georgia and seven other states. Founder of Southern Pine Plantations (SPP), focused on timber and rural land since 1984. Longtime Mercer University trustee.
- Langdale family: Holds 248,000 acres primarily in Georgia. Known for sustainable forestry and wood-fired energy since the 1950s. Operates multiple forest product companies based in Valdosta.
- Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation: Controls 225,000 acres mainly in West Georgia. Uses timber income to fund scholarships and community programs, including veteran support and technical education.
For more, visit landreport.com/land-report-100.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News.
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