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The age of a tree can be easily determined by counting the growth rings, the value of the timber industry can be evaluated by counting the dollars, but the true worth of Virginia’s total forest resource extends far beyond the conventional values.
State Forester James W. Gamer recently released a study entitled “Virginia’s Forest — Its Common Wealth.” The study evaluates, for the first time, the industrial worth and the value of environmental amenities of Virginia’s timberland. ‘This magnificent resource conservatively contributes $4.2 billion to the state’s economy each year and is a significant factor in the quality lifestyle of every Virginian, ” Gamer said.
The forest industry has grown from a hand-operated sawmill at Jamestown to an industry spread across the state contributing $3.2 billion to Virginia’s economy each year. Beyond , the impact of the industry is the total forest resource value — recreation, water quality and clean air. The value of these fringe benefits add another $1 billion bringing the total to over $4.2 billion per year.
The forest industry, unlike others, is thoroughly distributed throughout the St^ite. Virginia’s forest products industry ranks first in the number of manufacturing sites, providing employment, making significant financial contributions for local schools, roads and other governmental services through tax revenues.
93.2%