Since 1983 the amount of forested land increased an amazing 640,000 acres. Forest types are changing as well. The largest age class of trees is now 20-80 year old trees. This transition will cause the industry to adapt to using more soft hardwoods, such as red maple, for both pulpwood and saw logs in the northern part of the state. Because of the greater dependence on the production of pulpwood, there may be a need for consolidation of sawmills due to a reduction of sawtimber supply from the southern broadleaf forest.
Ownership is a concern to foresters.
Reasons foresters are concerned about who owns and manages the forest are becoming more apparent as time passes. Every year an average of 3,385 new parcels are carved out of forested land. Small tract landowners are less likely to let loggers harvest timber or practice techniques such as clear cutting. Biodiversity is an issue. Over 657 vertebrates and 1,800 vascular plants live in Wisconsin.