Forests of the South (24 pages)

The Southern United States supports almost 200 million acres of the most productive forestland on the face of the earth. This world class forest is predominately privately owned. Millions of private landowners across the 13 Southern states are committed to managing their forests for a broad array of values which include a sustainable wood supply, wildlife habitat, clean water and forest recreation such as hunting and fishing. The commitment of these forest owners to both economically and environmentally sound forest management principles is unprecedented. Our Southern forests are dynamic ecosystems, capable of supplying, in perpetuity, the myriad of goods and services we have come to rely upon as the mainstay of our Southern economy. Interested people from around the world continue to visit and invest in this most dynamic force. Tremendous economic opportunities still lies ahead for those who are willing to invest their time and energy in this resource. Research continues to emphasize the fact that the Southern forest is capable of tremendous increases in productivity through modern forest management practices that grow more trees and protect the environment.