Nearly half the state of Oregon is forested. The forest sector remains a resilient and vital contributor to the state’s economy. As the economy improves, the sector is well positioned to rebound. This site summarizes findings from a new study about the economic impact of Oregon’s forests,
The 2012 Forest Report.
The state’s land use and forest protection laws ensure the viability of Oregon’s private forests. These laws have helped the state achieve a balance between environmental benefits and sustainable harvest on private lands.
Due to fire suppression and a lack of active management, many federally managed forests, especially in eastern Oregon, are becoming unhealthy. New federal policies are needed to improve forest health and bring jobs to rural areas.
Timber remains an economic cornerstone in rural Oregon, where wood products companies are often the largest employer in town. In some counties, the forest sector represents 20 percent of the economic base.