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?