USDA FORESTS OF INDIANA: THEIR ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE 2004 1

Service, I am pleased to provide you with an overview of the economic importance of our State’s great forest resources. Indiana’s forests are among the most diverse and productive in the country. In addition to providing oxygen to breathe, clean water to drink, and brilliant fall colors to enjoy, forests provide numerous direct and measurable economic benefits to Hoosiers, other Americans, and the world. Almost 200 years ago, forests covered 85 percent of the state. By the early 1900’s, most forestland had been cleared to make room for farms, industry, infrastructure, and the growing number of Hoosiers. In 1922 State Forester Charles Deam predicted that Indiana would be treeless in 15 years. I’m pleased to report that as we enter the 21st century, forests have rebounded and now comprise almost 20 percent of the State (4.5 million acres). The information in this booklet was compiled from numerous Federal, State, and local sources. Chief among these were the USDA Forest Service’s North Central Researc