Oregon Forest Facts

• With more than 63 million acres, Oregon is the ninth-largest U.S. state. Nearly half the state, over 30 million acres, is forestland.
• There has been virtually no net loss of Oregon’s 30 million acres of forestland throughout its recorded history.
• Oregon is the number one lumber producer in the U.S., accounting for 18% of total U.S. softwood lumber production.
• Wood products make up 47% of all raw materials used in manufacturing in the U.S. Nearly 100% of a log can be used to make lumber and other consumer products.
• Oregon was the first state to adopt a law governing forest practices and the protection of forest resources including water, fish, wildlife, soil and air.
• Oregon forestland owners must adhere to some of the strictest environmental standards in the world through compliance with the Oregon Forest Practices Act.
• The state’s forest sector employs approximately 57,000 Oregonians with an annual payroll of $2.1 billion.
• The 60% of Oregon's forestland that is owned by the federal government contributes only 12% to Oregon's total timber harvest.
• The 35% of Oregon's forests that is privately owned accounts for 76% of Oregon’s timber harvest.
  

For more in-depth information, check out the Oregon Forest Resources Institute's online Forest Fact Book

(Information on this page from the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute)