The State of America’s Forests
The Definitive Resource for Forest Facts
The Society of American Foresters has published a comprehensive, peer-reviewed report on the status of America’s forestland. This 68-page report outlines the latest facts and figures in easy to read graphs, charts, tables, and supporting commentary. The State of America’s Forests is the most definitive, one-source compilation of credible forestry facts touting more than 50 sources and peer-review by academia, non-governmental organizations, and the USDA Forest Service. View the Online Report.
- On average, 11 percent of the world’s forestland benefits from some type of conservation effort. In the United States, 20 percent is protected by conservation initiatives.
- The United States ranks fourth on the list of most forest-rich countries, following the Russian Federation, Brazil, and Canada, with 8 percent of the world’s primary forest.
- In 2006, almost 8 percent of US forests—approximately 58 million acres—were at significant risk from insect and disease mortality.
Forests are important
Forests affect nearly every aspect of our lives. Forest resources provide
the raw materials for our homes, our workplaces, the books and newspapers
we read, and the packaging that contains our food and other products of
our labor. Forest ecosystems supply our water, maintain our climate, help
purify the air, protect soils, and provide for wilderness experiences.
Forests provide habitat for wildlife, and serve as preserves of biological
diversity and as sources of food, fuel, and medicine for people throughout
the world. They shape the recreational landscape, help stabilize our farms,
and enhance our cities.
Forestry is important
Forestry is the science and art of attaining desired forest conditions
and benefits. As professionals, foresters develop, use, and communicate
their knowledge to sustain and enhance forest resources for diverse benefits
in perpetuity. To fulfill this purpose, foresters need to understand the
many demands that forests must satisfy and the potential for forest ecosystems
to satisfy these demands now and in the future.
Learn more about forests and forestry:
USFS
News Release (12/22/04)
Text of new
planning rule and other associated documents
Gifford Pinchot : Walrus of the Forest
An article for Children - Used by permission of Highlights for Children,
Inc. Columbus, Ohio.
Copyright (c) 2005
Ask a Forester
Foresters and other resource professionals throughout the country have
agreed to answer your questions about US forests. Whether you want to
know about trees, wildlife, water, soil, forest products, or some other
forest-related topic, this is the place to ask your question.
Forest Facts
How much forestland is there in the US? How many trees are planted annually?
Find out the answers to these questions and much more.
Forest Scapes
Poetry about forestry, by foresters
Forestry Focus
Discussion List
Forestry Focus is an electronic mailing list that serves as a conduit
for forestry information between SAF members and the general public. Learn
how to subscribe here.
Forestry Links
Here are some links to explore if you want to do further research about
forests and forestry.
Forests Around the World
If you want to know about the state of forests around the world, this
is the place.
Fun Forest Facts
Why do leaves change color? How many trees does the average American use?
Find out the answers to these questions and much more.
Top Ten Environmental Benefits of Forestry
Here's how forestry benefits the environment
Top Ten Forestry Advances
The top ten forestry advances made by the forestry profession. The forestry
profession has made tremendous scientific advances over the last century.
Forestry:
Is it for you? (PDF brochure)
Find the answers to the most asked questions about the forestry profession
What is forestry? What does a forester do? What does it take
to be a forester? Where should I go to school? Where do foresters work?
How much do foresters make? Is there a great demand for foresters?
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