About Pennsylvania Lumber
No matter where you live in Pennsylvania, you are never far from a beautiful forest. These forests not only provide essential products that we use in everyday life but also offer significant economic benefits to the Commonwealth. They provide recreational and tourism opportunities and serve as vital habitats for wildlife. Pennsylvania stands as the largest producer of hardwoods in the United States, accounting for 10% of the total hardwood output in the country.
Revenues from Pennsylvania’s forest products industry exceed $5.5 billion annually. Approximately 90,000 Pennsylvanians make their livelihood in this industry, which includes more than 3,000 separate businesses spread across every county of the Commonwealth. Every dollar paid to a timber owner for trees generates more than $17 worth of economic growth through manufacturing.
Our forests, covering more than half of Pennsylvania (about 17 million acres), are not only vast but growing. The Federal Forest Inventory shows a 20% increase in forest size over the last decade. The majority of these forests, around 70%, are privately owned, including 5% held by forest products companies, while approximately 30% are government-owned.
The Evolution and Impact of Technology
The Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group has developed an insightful video, funded through our mini-grant program, that showcases the process of transforming a tree into products for your home. This video highlights how today’s forest products industry has evolved to become capital intensive and highly computerized.
Modern Forestry Techniques:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS): Foresters and researchers use these technologies to map forests, develop management plans, and establish property boundaries with precision.
- Inventory and Valuation Software: Foresters can inventory trees and assess the value of timber sales on-site, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
Advanced Sawmill Technology:
- Computer-Controlled Equipment: Sawmills now utilize computer-controlled, laser-guided bandsaws, planers, and edgers to maximize log value.
- Lumber Grading by Computer: Ensures consistency and precision in lumber quality.
- Computer-Assisted Drawing (CAD): Used in manufacturing facilities to expedite the design, development, and production of new wood products.
The Pennsylvania WoodMobile
The Pennsylvania WoodMobile is a traveling interactive exhibit that educates the public about Pennsylvania’s forest resources and the forest products industry. This project is a partnership between the PA Department of Agriculture, the Hardwoods Development Council, and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association. The WoodMobile visits schools, county fairs, and weekend festivals, telling the story of sustainable forestry and the importance of the wood products industry to consumers, forest landowners, and the environment.
Employment Opportunities
The forest products industry offers a wide array of job opportunities. In Pennsylvania, the industry accounts for approximately 11% of manufacturing jobs, employing about 100,000 people. These jobs span both the public and private sectors and include roles in forestry, logging, manufacturing, sales, and more. The industry provides stable, well-paying jobs that contribute significantly to local economies.
A Sustainable Future
The forest products industry is crucial for both economic growth and environmental sustainability. Pennsylvania’s forests are meticulously managed to ensure they remain a renewable resource. Every part of a log is utilized, from lumber for building materials to sawdust for energy. This sustainable approach ensures that our forests can continue to thrive for future generations.
The industry’s commitment to sustainability is not just about preserving trees; it also involves nurturing the human resource that drives this sector. With over 300 dedicated employees working with state-of-the-art technology, the industry is poised for continued success.
Watch the Video
To gain a deeper understanding of the journey from tree to home, watch the video developed by the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group. This video offers an in-depth look at the innovative methods used in the industry and the importance of sustainable forestry practices.
