Forestry Facts and Links
Links
Tennessee Forestry Facts
As we continue to lose valuable forestland
to urbanization, it becomes even more imperative to encourage
working forests in Tennessee. Tennessee landowners are tremendous
stewards. Forests are a valuable resource. The economic impact
of Forestry in Tennessee is essential to our way of life. The
forest not only provides Tennesseans with clean water, clean
air, wildlife habitat and bountiful beauty, but also provides
thousands of jobs throughout the state.
FACT
From 1996 to 2001, the forest products industries invested nearly
$3.5 billion in Tennessee.
FACT
Nearly 200,000 Tennesseans have a job related to forestry
The average annual wage in the forest products industries is
$32,000.00
Approximately 500 new jobs are created every year
from New Projects and Expansions
FACT
Tennessee is known as “The Hardwood Capitol of the World”.
In 2001, Tennessee exported $766.5 million in forest products
to Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Italy, Japan, Mexico,
Spain and the United Kingdom.
True or False?
1) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
is responsible for Tennessee’s Forests.
FALSE: Although Water Quality issues are the responsibility
of TDEC, Forestry is under the supervision of the Department
of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. Forests are considered
an Agricultural Crop.
2) Forestry is essential to Tennessee’s Economy
TRUE: The Forest Products Community contributes nearly $20
billion to Tennessee’s Economy. Over 175,000 people are
employed within the forestry community paying out nearly $5
billion in annual salaries and wages.
3) Pine Forests are Biological Deserts
FALSE: Tennessee’s Forests are primarily Hardwood. Less
than 10% of forestland in the state is in Pine. Some say Pine
Forests are biological deserts and destroy wildlife. The lifespan
of a pine plantation is 30-60 years with constant change in
wildlife diversity. In the first 5-6 years of seedlings, wide
assortments of grasses, forbs and browse in the under story
provides a bountiful supply of food for wildlife. Young pine
plantations are very productive for quail, rabbits, deer, turkey
and many non-game birds. When pine reaches pulpwood size (15-18
years) thinning will allow herbaceous plants respond rapidly
to the increased sunlight, which continues to produce food
for wildlife.
Information Resources
Tennessee Wildlife Resources, Forest Stewardship Program, University
of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture.
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