Shedding Light On Southern U.S. Forestry Costs
In 1952, Puerto Rico became an official part of the U.S., the “Today” show debuted on NBC and the cost of forestry practices in the south was first reported by Albert C. Worrell. That first report called “What does it Cost to Practice Forestry in the South?” was the first published (1953) survey of its kind.
Since then, many surveys have been conducted, in 1982 a biennial survey of cost of forestry practices in the south commenced and has continued through 2020. These surveys examine the costs forest landowners incur when managing forests that provide environmental and economic benefits to the communities around them. By conducting this survey every two years, we can see not only the costs but if those costs are increasing or decreasing and what management practices are most common.
The 2020 survey represents the 26th iteration of the cost of forestry practices in the south survey and was distributed in a new and improved online configuration to reach more participants. This new format allowed the survey to be shared much more widely than in the past, with state forestry associations and forestry commissions, extensions, and private companies sending the survey to their constituents. As a result, the number of usable surveys completed and returned for 2020 is the greatest on record at 264.
Ready to learn more? Check out the full survey results including detailed tables of past surveys in our November/December issue of Forest Landowner Magazine or read the full report online.