Giant white oaks that once flourished in the Ozark Mountains have virtually disappeared. While Ozark forests should have trees of mixed age with some ranging well over 100 years old, most are only about 90 years old, with the exception of a few ancient forests such as the one found at Weddington Gap near Fayetteville. These researchers have discovered post oak trees that have been living since before the singing of the Declaration of Independence. A small percentage of Arkansas woods are owned and managed by the government as National Forest land. The remainder are owned by corporations and private citizens.
Timber harvesting remains the state's largest industry.
Giant paper mills, plywood plants, and lumber sawmills account for 1.4 billion dollars of the Arkansas economy yearly. This natural resource, managed properly, continues to sustain generations of families. This documentary offers the opportunity to teach concepts related to environmental conservation of natural forests. A discussion of the basic definitions related to this concept would be valuable before viewing.