Forest land is increasing in Ohio, and Ohio's forests are maturing. Wild turkeys have returned to the forests, and other wildlife species have gained ground. While Ohio's forests are growing 1 billion board feet of wood each year, tree growth continues to outpace removals by a ratio of more than 2 to 1. And our cities and suburbs are becoming more attractive as we recognize the value of urban forests.
All these gains are a result of wise stewardship by landowners, forest resource managers and public officials. What is the future of Ohio's forests as we face the next century? It depends largely on how we view and value them. A sustainable vision must include the wise use of the wood and other resources balanced against a continued flow of the environmental benefits provided by forests. As Ohio citizens, we all impact our forests and have a stake in their health. How we manage forests for the uses and products demanded of them will ultimately determine their fate.