"Report on Economic Value of Vermont's Forestry Industry Released."
View of woodlands near Hogback Mountain, Vt. (Public domain image, retrieved from the Addison Eagle)The Addison Eagle recently covered the official report on the Economic Value of Vermont's Forestry Industry. The article highlighted the importance of this industry to Vermont's economy, and proved to us that the work we are doing is really benefiting our community. This report confirms that approximately 80% of Vermont's forests are owned by real families and real people, so when you buy Vermont wood products and Vermont furniture, you are helping to put a meal on these people's tables and helping their kids go through school. Buying furniture from Vermont contributes to the 21,000 jobs that are impacted by the Vermont forestry industry-- it puts American's back to work, and helps keep us on the map as leaders in wood manufacturing. With recent disappointing news about the prospects of the American Made Furniture industry, this report gives us real proof that what we (and you as our friends and customers) are doing is really working.
"Rutland — The NEFA, the North East State Foresters Association and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation have released a report detailing the economic Importance of Vermont’s forest-based economy. The report highlights the various sectors of Vermont’s economy that depend on wood, forests, and trees.
The total economic value of Vermont’s forest economy is pegged at over $3.4 billion dollars for 2012.
“Forest-based manufacturing and forest-related recreation and tourism are significant drivers for our economy,” said Vermont State Forester Steven Sinclair. Sinclair lists some products and services we enjoy: firewood, lumber, fine furniture, maple syrup and Christmas trees are chief among the products. Forests also yield “ecosystem services” such as providing clean water, carbon storage, and wildlife habitat. Vermont’s forests are the vital backdrop to recreation and tourism here.
The NEFA report shows that nearly 21,000 jobs in all sectors are directly impacted by Vermont’s forests. While manufacturing jobs in Vermont’s wood products businesses have declined over the past decade, the harvest of timber from Vermont has stayed relatively stable.
Sinclair told news reporters that most of Vermont’s wood is coming from family forests.
“About 80 percent of Vermont’s forested lands are owned by individuals and families. So, when you buy Vermont wood, you really are buying local. The NEFA report supports the Vermont’s Working Lands Enterprise Initiative to stimulate a concerted economic development effort on behalf of Vermont’s agriculture and forest product sectors,” he said."
| This blog is written by your friends at Vermont Woods Studios. Check out our Vermont made furniture and home decor online and visit our showroom and art gallery at Stonehurst, the newly restored 1800s farmhouse nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains. |
