| Georgia Forestry makes one of the largest contributions to the
state’s economy equaling approximately 19.5 billion dollars. It
is the third largest manufacturing sector in the state, and the
leading producer of pulp and paper in the United States. Nearly
one in every nine people involved in manufacturing in Georgia is
employed in the forestry community.
Forests are the most predominant feature of our state's vast
and varied landscape or approximately 64%. Of the 37 million
acres of land in Georgia, approximately 24 million acres are
classified as timberland. Private, non-industrial landowners own
68 percent, commercial forest industry owns 25 percent and the
government owns 7 percent. And while Georgia is known for its
peanuts, pecans and peaches, no single agricultural commodity
brings more of economic impact to the state than forestry.
Georgia has led the nation in reforestation since 1982.
Georgia plants and allows for the natural regeneration of an
estimated 250 million seedlings every year, and over the past
decade, has planted nearly 3 billion trees. Hardwood trees cover
53 percent of the timberland and pine make up the remaining 47
percent. The most prevalent hardwoods are oak, maple and
sweetgum. Of the pines, loblolly and slash are the primary
trees.
Wildlife management is an important part of Georgia's
forestry. Our forests provide habitat for thousands of species
of plants an animals, and provide recreational opportunities,
such as hiking and hunting that not only benefit our residents,
but have economic value as well. Each year, the state collects
an estimated $17 million through the sale of hunting and fishing
licenses as well as other outdoor recreational and tourism
revenue.
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