- The $2.2 billion forestry and forest products industry remains important as the fifth largest industry in the State supporting approximately 14,000 jobs, mostly in rural communities. (#2 on the Shore, #1 in Western MD and #5 overall) The industry is considered the second largest on the Eastern Shore -- behind agriculture/poultry -- and is considered the largest in Western Maryland.
- Each person in the U.S. uses the equivalent of a 100-foot tall tree each year for wood and paper needs.
- A healthy forest system keeps our open space green, purifies our air, enhances wildlife habitat and filters nutrients from runoff.
- Maryland's open space is kept green, the water cleaned, the air purified and wildlife habitat enhanced by a healthy forest products industry -- we are the great alternative to asphalt.
- Nutrients running into the Bay's watershed are purified by a healthy forest system which must be managed on a sustainable basis to remain healthy -- much like pruning the garden to keep it productive.
- Did you know that (1) each person in the U.S. uses the equivalent of 1 tree 100 feet tall each year for their wood and paper needs; and (2) one acre of young healthy trees will absorb 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide gas and give off 2 tons of oxygen each year -- but when trees begin to decay, this process is reversed.
- A healthy forest system must be managed on a sustainable basis to remain healthy -- e.g., one acre of young healthy trees can absorb 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide gas and emit 2 tons of oxygen each year. When trees begin to decay, this process is reversed.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/healthreport/benefits.html
The benefits of urban trees
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/publications/urban.html
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Posted November 19, 2003