NativState Acquires Neeley Forestry Service, Deepening Landowner Partnership Model and On-the-Ground Forestry Capabilities

The move strengthens NativState’s landowner-first model and deepens its on-the-ground forestry capabilities across the U.S. Southeast

CONWAY, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NativState, a forest carbon developer partnering with small private landowners across the U.S. Southeast, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Neeley Forestry Service, a respected forestry and land management firm serving landowners across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. The acquisition marks the latest step forward in NativState’s continued growth and commitment to delivering natural capital solutions through an integrated, end-to-end model for landowners, combining carbon development with local forestry expertise and long-term land management.

Neeley Forestry Service brings a longstanding legacy and respected reputation within the local community. Founded by Jim Neeley in 1972, the firm has served as a trusted advisor to landowners, widely recognized across the region for its extensive expertise and commitment to responsible land stewardship. Under the leadership of President JD Neeley – former Chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a fixture within the regional landowner community – the company continues to help landowners achieve their long-term objectives.

As part of the acquisition, the Neeley Forestry Service team is joining NativState, ensuring continuity of service for existing landowners and maintaining the strong relationships Neeley has built within local communities.

By integrating Neeley’s proven forestry expertise and management capabilities, NativState will expand its ability to act as a long-term operating partner to landowners, providing access to carbon markets as well as ongoing sustainable forestry management, wildlife management, recreational lease, and land management support.

NativState has built a strong track record as a forest carbon developer focused on working forests in the U.S. ‘timber basket.’ The company has established itself as a trusted partner for landowners looking to unlock meaningful economic opportunities while supporting long-term environmental stewardship. To date, the company has enrolled more than 750,000 acres of land across this region and Neeley Forestry Service will add over 200,000 acres across Arkansas Louisiana, and Texas.

“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,” said Stuart Allen, CEO of NativState. “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.”

“We’re excited to embark on this next chapter with NativState, building on the strong foundation we’ve established serving landowners in our community,” said JD Neeley of Neeley Forestry Service. “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.”

Through the acquisition, NativState will also incorporate Neeley’s Appraisal and Real Estate services, helping landowners better understand, manage, and acquire land in support of their long-term goals.

About Neeley Forestry Service

Neeley Forestry Service was founded in 1972 by Jim Neeley and has grown from managing 20,000 acres to serving over 400 clients and 200,000+ acres across Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. The Neeley team includes registered foresters, Certified General Appraisers, and long-time experienced real estate agents. With a deep passion for the outdoors, the Neeley Team brings firsthand experience to help clients successfully buy, sell, and manage timberland properties.

About NativState

NativState LLC is a forest carbon developer partnering with small private landowners in the U.S. Southeast. Working in the heart of the U.S. timber basket, NativState serves as a long-term operating partner for landowners as they generate income from carbon by managing working forests for long-term stewardship, habitat, and resilience. The company aggregates landowners at scale, assumes long-term project responsibility, and delivers credits through a vertically integrated model spanning landowner engagement, forestry, geospatial analysis, carbon modeling, verification support, and ongoing project management. For buyers, that creates scalable supply grounded in real market conditions and genuine harvest pressure; for landowners, it creates a practical alternative to more aggressive timber harvesting.

Learn more at nativstate.com.