ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS OF SC’S FORESTRY SECTOR, 2015 Contribution of Forests and Forests Products to the South Carolina Economy

This analysis builds on a previously published study by London (2015). Additional activity in forests-based recreation and forest products in South Carolina not accounted for in the study by London includes forest-based recreation, woody biomass energy, activity in pine straw, mulch, and firewood provision operations, nursery and tree growers (including Christmas tree growers), government activity directly in forests, blind and shades production, and a variety of other relevant sectors. This additional economic activity is concentrated in forest-based recreation, forest-based biofuel activity, and a variety of other forest product industries such as mulch and pine straw producers. The total economic impact of activity in these unaccounted-for sectors is estimated to be 17,468 jobs, $0.558 billion in labor income, $1.005 billion in Gross State Product, and $1.706 billion in output. Based on the values provided in the prior study, total activity in the forest and forest products is estimated at 90,320 jobs, $4.481 billion in labor income, $6.757 billion in Gross State Product, and $18.573 billion in output