WEST VIRGINIA ’ S Timber Industry
ANNA MOORE
West Virginia is known for its mountains and natural resources . It ’ s no surprise the Mountain State ranks third in the U . S . in percentage of forested land , with 78 % of it forested . Access to forest resources is an advantage not taken lightly , as the ample materials make the state a leading producer . Timber and wood are big business . West Virginia ’ s timber industry generates around $ 3.2 billion each year for the state and provides more than 30,000 jobs with 12 million acres of forestland and 75 billion board feet of timber inventory . As the second-leading hardwood state in the U . S ., each of West Virginia ’ s 55 counties have some segment of the wood industry as an employer . The labor force is predominantly located in rural areas and small towns , and in many cases , these companies are the largest employers in the community , offering high-paying jobs and creating stability for families .
Forest product businesses include logging , sawmills , dry kilns , rustic fence producers , veneer plants , furniture parts producers , kitchen cabinet constructors and other wooden furniture craftsmen . Dominated by hardwood forests , the timber industry in West Virginia has opportunities to harvest more high-quality hard woods than other states . In addition , the diversity of wood species allows for opportunities for different uses of those hard woods . Some of West Virginia ’ s woods include red oak , white oak , soft maple , hard maple , hickory , beech , black cherry , basswood , ash , yellow birch , black walnut and yellow poplar . Products made from West Virginia ’ s woods include oriented strand board , hardwood , plywood , laminated veneer lumber , hardwood flooring , furniture , cabinets , wood pellets , lumber , pallets , custom crates , rustic rail fence and high-quality barrels for spirits .
West Virginia Executive created this map in partnership with our sponsors to showcase how the timber industry is a large part of the state ’ s economy . •
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