Economic Contributions
Oregon’s forestry and wood products industry is a foundational sector of the state’s economy, environment, and rural livelihoods. With approximately 30.5 million acres of forestland covering about half the state, Oregon is among the most forested of the western United States and ranks first in the nation in softwood lumber and plywood production. This advantage stems from abundant native species, especially Douglas-fir; a temperate climate conducive to rapid tree growth; and a long history of timber-based economic development.
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS
While the forest sector in Oregon is smaller than it was in 2001, it has fared better than the timber industry nationally and remains a major driver of economic activity in Oregon. In 2023, the forest sector was responsible for generating over $28 billion in output, over 103,000 jobs and almost $13 billion in Oregon gross domestic product. This translates to 5.2% of total state output, almost 4% of state employment and 4.3% of GDP.
