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Indiana Forestry Facts
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 Forestland
in Indiana has increased from a low of less than 1.5
million acres in the early 1900’s to over 4.7 million acres today
(approximately 20% of the state’s land base).
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Over
83% of Indiana forestlands are privately owned. (3.8 million acres)
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Approximately 52% of Indiana’s forests are less than 50 years old.
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From
2003 to 2006 Indiana forestland increased by 100,000 acres.
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70% of
all wildlife species living in Indiana are found in young forest
habitats.
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Almost
2 billion trees, not including seedlings and saplings, are growing
in Indiana forests. That is 340 trees for each citizen in the state.
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Indiana is growing one and
one-half times more timber than is being harvested.
The Indiana forest
products industry:
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 Is
the 6th largest manufacturing industry in the state
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employs over 38,000 people directly and 91,000 indirectly
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contributes $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy
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plays
a vital role in rural communities as most are small, family-owned
businesses
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total
economic impact is $17 billion
Source:
Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources,
Division of Forestry |
