As the Nation expanded westward, they provided the timbers necessary to build ships and railroads for transportation and commerce, as well as telegraph and telephone lines. Today we continue to rely on our Nation's forests and forest products in a multitude of ways. Forests serve as the habitat for much of our Nation's wildlife and provide a peaceful, scenic setting for family outings and other recreational activities. They also continue to provide raw materials for fuel, construction, and a variety of wood and paper products. Although we have the choice of many different building products, we continue to value wood for our homes and furnishings.
Wood is strong and durable, yet also flexible and versatile.
New technology and techniques for its treatment, preservation, and design continue to increase its usefulness. According to the Department, the forest industry ranks among the top 10 employers in 48 of the 50 States. Forest products thus make a significant contribution to our Nation's economic strength and progress, as well as to our individual physical comfort and well-being. Unfortunately, in the past, our ancestors did not always recognize the need for careful stewardship of our forest resources. Taking for granted this country's vast, dense forests and striving to meet the great and urgent demands of a growing Nation led to rapid and sometimes wasteful use of forest resources.