President Biden Recognizes Benefits of Working Forests During National Forest Products Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, October 14, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. issued a Proclamation on National Forest Products Week, 2022, stating:

“During National Forest Products Week, we give thanks for the beauty of our forest and the bounty they provide: from the lumber in our homes and the paper we print to the medicines we take, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.”

Of the nation’s forests, 56% of forestland in the United States is privately owned and sustainably managed by families and private companies. That’s 445 million acres. Private forestlands contribute immense economic and environmental benefits and provide 88% of the timber harvested nationwide, making private forest landowners the roots of the forest product supply chain.

“Private forest landowners are often overlooked for the vast amount of work they do to not only maintain the nation’s wood supply, but to stimulate rural economies, provide clean air and water to the people in their community, create habitat that encourages biodiversity and create jobs in rural America,” said Scott Jones, CEO of the Forest Landowners Association.

Nationwide private forests provide 2.4 million jobs and contribute $87 billion in payroll. And as President Biden’s proclamation stated:

 “The United States is the world’s largest producer of forest products, and every day, American foresters, loggers, mill workers, carpenters, scientists, restoration specialists, outdoor recreation workers, and others rely on forests for their livelihoods.”

Private forestlands provide tangible products such as lumber, paper, tissue, cardboard, and more. The U.S forest products industry produces $200 billion in sales annually and is the leading generator and user of renewable energy. For every job that is directly related to forests, another two jobs are created that are related indirectly.

“During National Forest Products Week, Americans should take the time to thank a private forest landowner not only for the many products they use every day, but for the extensive benefits these working forests provide. By continuing to purchase and use wood products, these forest landowners remain economically stable, allowing them to continue providing society all the other benefits forests provide,” said Jones.

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