<p>There are approximately 80,000 private forest landowners in the Maritime Provinces of Canada that hold roughly 40% of the land base. Many of these forest owners require external help to identify management objectives and understand what resources and opportunities exist for their land. Often owners do not know which of the several government and private institutions might best provide advice or serve their needs. Owners often lack the necessary expertise and equipment to do any harvesting work themselves if harvesting is in their plans. They rely on foresters for advice and forest contractors to implement silviculture practices. However, many owners are more interested in conservation values for their land. This study analyzes data from interviews with both forest owners (<i>n</i> = 40) and forest and natural resource professionals (<i>n</i> = 29) that provide advice and services to landowners. It also includes data from four focus groups (<i>n</i> = 25). Trust and mistrust between owners and foresters and contractors emerged as an important theme. Time spent developing a relationship and visiting the land are important in creating trust. Finding foresters and contractors with whom owners share values builds trust but also takes time. Impediments to trust include lack of time from one or the other party or both to invest in getting to know the land and the owner. Within organizations that provide advice, allowing owners to consistently deal with one individual with whom they have established a trusting relationship matters.</p>