In our post, Want to save trees? Choose Paper, we wrote about how the use of pulp-based products like paper provide income to forest owners, which incentives them to maintain their property as forested land. But now we know just how large the economic impact of the American forest products industry actually is.
According to a recent study by Forest2Market for National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), “Forestry-related businesses support over 1 million direct jobs, which are associated with over $55.4 billion in direct payroll.”
Chart via Forest2Market
When paper, wood, and furniture manufacturing industries are accounted for, that figure rises to nearly $107.5 billion associated GDP, and these industries account for 5.7% of the national manufacturing GDP. Of forestry related business’ contribution to GDP, approximately $92.0 billion is associated with private timberland.
Clearly, forestland and its related industries are an important part of the U.S. economy, and private forests play a large role.
If you are wondering about the environmental impact as you read economic statistics, the advocacy organization Two Sides continues to fight the myth that using paper kills trees with fact-driven information. They state, “… there is a misperception that forest management is causing the destruction of forest lands in the U.S. The research repeatedly shows that increased demand for wood products results in increased forests and that environmental and economic interests are compatible.”
New Report Details the Economic Impact of US Forest Products Industry
The Economic Impact and Utilization of Working Forests in the U.S.