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.