Healthy forest product markets provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and jobs.
NAFO members own and manage 44 million acres of sustainably managed private working forests across 30 states. These forests are carefully managed to provide a steady, renewable supply of wood for more than 5,000 everyday products — from homes and paper to energy and packaging — while conserving wildlife, protecting water resources, and providing recreational access across millions of acres.
NAFO by the Numbers
The Impact of Private Working Forests in Your State
Forests work hard for America — and now you can see how. Use NAFO’s Forest & Mill Data Dashboard to explore the environmental, economic, and community impact of private working forests where you live. From jobs supported to acres certified to active conservation projects, the data is at your fingertips.
Zoom in by state or Congressional district to see forest impact where it matters most to you.
See how private working forests contribute to clean water, wildlife habitat, and local manufacturing revenue.
Generate one-page handouts that showcase annual seedlings planted, mill facilities, and more.
Market conditions for forest owners are difficult nationwide and are especially acute in areas affected by mill closures.
Why Private Working Forests Matter
Private working forests, like those owned by NAFO members, are sustainably managed and essential to America’s economic resilience, national security, and long-term energy independence. 70% of U.S. working forests are privately owned.
Private working forests support 3.9 million jobs across rural America
60% of at risk, threatened and endangered species in the U.S. depend on private working forests
Private working forests contribute $252 billion annually to the U.S. GDP
Private working forest capture more carbon than passenger vehicles emit each year
90% of U.S. forest products come from private working forests
Wildlife Conservation and Stewardship
NAFO members are leaders in collaborative conservation. Through initiatives like the Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI), members partner with agencies, researchers, and NGOs to conserve habitat and species while keeping working forests productive.
NAFO member forests provide critical environmental benefits — capturing and storing carbon, protecting clean water resources, and safeguarding the ecosystems we all depend on. By investing in sustainable management and collaborative conservation, NAFO members are shaping a future where healthy forests, thriving wildlife, and strong rural economies go hand in hand.
The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) is a national advocacy organization committed to advancing policies that ensure our working forests provide clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat and jobs through sustainable practices and strong markets.
NAFO advocates for policies that:
- Keep forests working and on the landscape
- Strengthen the forest products supply chain
- Expand market opportunities for renewable forest products
- Support rural economies and protect American manufacturing capacity
- Sustain the environmental and economic benefits private working forests provide – from clean air and water to wildlife habitat and jobs