2025 Environmental Benefits Report

It’s more than a report – it’s a snapshot of how 43 million acres of private working forests across the U.S. are delivering extensive environmental benefits.

Private working forests are not only meeting the demand for sustainable wood and fiber – they’re also delivering measurable environmental benefits. NAFO’s 2025 Environmental Benefits Report tells that story.

The report provides a data-driven look at the environmental contributions of NAFO member forests across four categories: sustainable forest management, carbon, water, and wildlife.

Backed by data from NAFO members, the U.S. Forest Service, and NCASI, Inc., this is a go-to resource for understanding the nationwide benefits of sustainable forest management.

2025 Environmental Benefits At-A-Glance

Forest and Forest Products Sector Economic Impact Report

America’s Forest Economy: A Foundation for Sustainable Growth

The forest and forest products sector is a major driver of sustainable economic growth in the United States. Together, America’s private and public timberlands, mills, and manufacturing facilities support $609 billion in economic activity each year — representing 7% of the U.S. manufacturing GDP.

From lumber for construction and packaging materials to thousands of everyday wood-based products, this sector powers essential supply chains that keep our economy — and our communities — strong.

Economic Impact

Measuring the Full Contribution

This report, conducted by the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), quantifies the sector’s full economic impact on the U.S. economy. The analysis captures direct, indirect, and induced impacts — including contributions to employment, payroll, GDP, and government revenues, offering a comprehensive view of how working forests and forest products bolster America’s economy.

Explore the Findings

Forest Inventory and Growth-to-Drain of Private Forests in the United States

Tracking Growth, Harvest, and Sustainability

The U.S. forest products industry has undergone major change over the past two decades — shifting regional production, evolving product demand, and adapting to new market realities. To better understand how private forests are keeping pace, NAFO commissioned Forisk Consulting to analyze forest inventory, growth, and removals across privately owned timberlands in 37 states.

Key Findings

Sustainable growth continues

Private working forest owners grow 53% more than they harvest each year.

Regional strength

Growth outpaced removals in every region — most notably in the South, where inventory grew 20% and GTD reached 1.84.

Industry shifts

Pulp mill closures have reduced fiber demand, while rising markets for OSB and wood pellets helped offset some local impacts.

Why It Matters

America’s privately owned forests continue to grow more wood than they harvest — demonstrating sustainable management and a resilient renewable resource base that supports jobs, products, and communities across the country.