Data from these questionnaires are the only consistent direct estimates of timber harvest in the United States. Data for 1996 will be available in late 1999. Data are updated every five years. These data are generally accepted and widely used. The graphic conveys no information on the quality or species of wood or on the harvesting method.
Industrial products consist of lumber, plywood and veneer, pulpwood, and other industrial wood.
Fuelwood is shown separately because its historical pattern of use is different from that of industrial products. Industrial products and fuelwood together total all timber products. The data series for this indicator are identical to those used for Graphic 1, Timber Harvest and Use, except that imports and exports have been taken into account, and wood consumption has been divided by U.S. population for each year. Information on the per capita use of paper is from Lester R. Brown, Hilary F. French, Christopher Flavin, et al, 1998. 2-2, page 25.