Forestry has $21 billion impact on South Carolina’s economy
COLUMBIA—South Carolina Forestry Commission officials announced the economic impact of the state’s forestry sector in grand fashion today, unveiling a large backdrop depicting the industry’s $21 billion contribution to the state’s economy.
The new economic impact figure, revealed in the findings of a Clemson University study commissioned by several forestry organizations, was disclosed at a press conference on the State House grounds as a part of “Forestry Day,” as proclaimed by Gov. McMaster. The occasion was also a celebration of the Forestry Commission’s 90th anniversary, which was founded nine decades ago to the day. A tree-planting ceremony on the State House grounds was held after the press conference.
Other highlights of forestry’s economic contributions include:
· Forestry is the state’s No. 1 manufacturing sector in terms of jobs (84,000+) and labor income;
· Forestry represents the No. 1 harvested crop in the state;
· Forest products represent the No. 1 export commodity from the Port of Charleston
Today’s announcement was the culmination of a nearly decade-long initiative among forestry advocates called the 20-by-15 Project, whose goal was to increase forestry’s economic impact from $17.4 billion in 2008 to $20 billion by 2015, which is the last study year reflected in the Clemson University analysis.
The full economic impact study can be found on the Forestry Commission’s website at:
www.state.sc.us/forest/economicimpactstudy2017.pdf