Some of this is privately owned, some is national or state administered, and some is commercially owned. The timber industry has traditionally been economically important to the region. The recent growth of the eco-tourism industry highlights the economic impact of forest preservation.
Forests also provide much of the habitat for wildlife and endangered species in the region.
The Center for Virtual Appalachia links to United States Forest Service sites, state forest organizations, timber industry and forest preservation groups. Also included are National Forest Maps, woodcraft and lumber exhibits, and tree farms. Miscellaneous Natural Resources Photo Tour Tourism County , Miscellaneous Sites Sorted Geographically Click on a state below to view Forestry sites associated with that state or you can view sites directly associated with a specific Appalachian County .