The Importance of West Virginia Forests

  • West Virginia’s forests provide over 30,000 jobs.
  • West Virginia ranks third in the nation in the percentage of forested land.
  • Private forest landowners own the majority of forest land in West Virginia.
  • West Virginia’s forests are at least 94% hardwood species.
  • West Virginia’s forests re-grow naturally after harvesting from seeds, stumps and roots.
  • West Virginia’s forests provide homes for numerous wildlife species, songbirds and aquatic creatures.
  • The forest industry is the only natural resource industry that extends into every county in West Virginia.