As we entered the 20th century, Ohio's forests were threatened. The state had witnessed a 150-year period of forest removal, where thousands of acres of trees were cut to clear farmland for a growing and hungry nation. The trend reversed about the time of World War II, and today's forest has come full circle. At a time when the nation and world worry about a dwindling forest resource, Ohio enjoys an increasing forest, both in size and age. More than a aa half-century of conservation built on sound policy, a resilient resource, and motivated landowners has spawned a remarkable forest renewal.
Forests face increasing pressure.
Worldwide interest in quality hardwoods make Ohio's forests highly valued for wood. Landowners currently enjoy the highest prices ever offered for timber. They see the importance of conserving trees. Interest in these sometimes opposing objectives is creating even greater challenges for the stewardship and use of our forests. The 1991 Ohio Forest Survey is an important benchmark for measuring change in Ohio's forests.