Forestry & Logging

The 8,000 companies in the US forestry and logging industry are involved in natural resource management and harvesting. Companies may own and manage the land and harvest the trees and plants, or provide contracted services to public and private landowners. Over 1 billion trees are planted in the US annually – the equivalent of three plantings for each tree harvested.

Worker Injuries And Fatalities

Despite efforts by the industry to reduce injury rates, logging ranks as the most dangerous occupation in America.

Pest Infestations

The spread of invasive plants, diseases, and insects that target woodlands are growing and destroying timber stands in the US.

Jul 28, 2026 - US Forest Service Proposes Increased Logging in National Forests

• The Oregon Capital Chronicle reports that the US Forest Service has proposed potentially tripling logging across 5.5 million acres in eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains over the next decade. The draft plan would expand logging, mining, and grazing in four national forests and remove protections limiting the harvest of trees at least 21 inches in diameter. Officials say more active management would support local economies, preserve forestry jobs, and reduce wildfire, insect, and disease risks. Conservation groups argue that increased development could worsen drought, degrade water quality, increase wildfire threats, cause carbon losses, and harm wildlife habitat. The proposal also anticipates congressional repeal of the Roadless Rule, which would increase the amount of Blue Mountains land open to logging by 17%. Public comments are due Sept. 30, 2026.
• National Association of Home Builders' analysis of US Census Bureau data found that sawmill production fell 0.4% in the first quarter of 2026 from the previous quarter, marking a second consecutive quarterly decline, although output remained 1.7% above a year earlier. Sawmill capacity dropped 6% year over year, while utilization rose to 71.8% as producers operated a smaller production base. Softwood lumber prices increased 6.1% during the quarter but remained 3.8% below year-ago levels, while hardwood prices rose 1% for a ninth consecutive quarterly gain. Reduced mill capacity and employment could weaken demand for harvested timber, pressure log prices, and limit sales opportunities for forestry and logging companies. Sawmill and wood preservation employment fell to about 82,800 workers, its lowest level since 2010.
• Weyerhaeuser is investing heavily in artificial intelligence to modernize forestry and boost profits, aiming to increase annual earnings by $1 billion by decade’s end, according to The Wall Street Journal. The company is developing tools such as autonomous logging equipment, real-time production optimization, and a digital twin of its vast timberlands using satellite, drone, and lidar data. AI is also being used to monitor equipment, improve logistics across thousands of miles of logging roads, and assess seedling survival rates more efficiently. Executives say these efforts build on decades of forestry data and could enhance decision-making, reduce costs, and improve long-term yields, even as housing market weakness has weighed on the company’s stock.
• The New York Times reports that the Trump administration plans to close 57 US Forest Service research labs and eliminate its $309 million research budget, raising concerns about wildfire preparedness and environmental management. Officials say the reorganization will cut costs and shift research responsibilities to universities, states, and private groups, while consolidating operations in Fort Collins, Colorado. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and scientists, argue the cuts could weaken science-based decision-making as climate change intensifies drought and wildfire risks. The plan also includes major staff reductions and relocation of offices, prompting opposition from lawmakers and outdoor recreation companies. Researchers warn that losing long-term data and local expertise could hinder efforts to manage forests, protect water supplies, and respond effectively to increasingly severe wildfire conditions.

Industry size & Structure

The average forestry and logging company operates out of a single location, employs 6 workers, and generates $2 million in annual revenue.

• The forestry and logging industry comprises about 8,000 companies that employ about 49,700 workers and generate about $15.7 billion in annual revenue.
• The industry consists of foresters that maintain woodlands and loggers that harvest timber.
• Over 1 billion trees are planted in the US annually – the equivalent of three plantings for each tree harvested. The US has recorded over 50 consecutive years of net forest growth that exceeds yearly harvest, according to the North American Forest Foundation.
• About one-third of the US is covered in forest; 56% is classified as private land and 44% is public.
• 94% of firms have fewer than 20 employees.
• The industry's gross output is volatile and can change 20% from year to year.
• Large companies include ALRT Corporation, C & C Logging, Huffman-Wright, and the timber operations of vertically integrated companies like Weyerhouser, Mid-South Lumber, Green Diamond Resources, and PotlatchDeltic.