Thriving Forest Industry of Ashtabula County
Ashtabula County, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Ohio, boasts a significant forested area that plays a crucial role in the local economy. Here's a snapshot of the county's forestry and wood products industry:
- Forestry and Logging Industry: The forestry and logging industry in Ashtabula County contributed a value-added of $3,922,413 in 2010, with a labor income of $3,990,491. The industry employed 141 people, and the net volume of sawtimber was a substantial 9,036,288 board feet 1.
- Wood Furniture Manufacturing: The wood furniture manufacturing sector added $10,576,657 to Ashtabula County's economy in 2010, with a labor income of $5,727,070. This industry employed 388 people 2.
- Wood Products Manufacturing: The wood products manufacturing industry was a significant contributor to the county's economy, with a value-added of $20,425,501 and a labor income of $17,888,991. This industry employed 373 people in the paper manufacturing sector and 388 people in the wood furniture manufacturing sector 3.
The forest industry in Ashtabula County also has a direct impact on the county's tax revenue and economic development. Figure 6 and Figure 8 illustrate the direct economic impact and tax impact of the county's forest industries in 2010, respectively 45.
Ashtabula County's forestland covers approximately 217,000 acres, which is 48.5% of the total land cover. The forestland is primarily privately owned, with nearly 214,000 acres owned privately 6.
Proper management of woodlands can offer various benefits, including soil stabilization, clean water, self-satisfaction, and a potential source of income. Managing timber requires less long-term input compared to many other land uses 7.
For those interested in learning more about the economic benefits and management of woodland in Ashtabula County, several resources are available:
- Timber Buyer and Market Resources: Companies like Good Faith Timber Buyers can provide insights into the timber market, timber valuation, and economic benefits from selling timber 1.
- Local Forestry and Wildlife Regulations: Understanding Ohio's administrative codes related to wildlife and land use can help in managing woodlands sustainably 3.
- Sustainable Grounds and Landscape Management Practices: Resources from organizations like AASHE provide frameworks for managing grounds and landscapes sustainably, which can be adapted for woodland management strategies 2.
- Extension Services and Local Government Resources: Contacting Ohio State University Extension or Ashtabula County’s local government offices could provide valuable woodland management programs, economic assessments, and technical assistance tailored to your region.
[1]: Table 1 illustrates direct industrial contributions within Ashtabula County's economy, 2010, categorized by 12 industries. [2]: Figure 7 illustrates Ashtabula County's forest industry employers by sector, 2010. [3]: Figure 6 shows the direct economic impact of Ashtabula County's forest industries, 2010. [4]: Figure 8 shows the direct tax impact of Ashtabula County's forest industries, 2010. [5]: Ashtabula County's paper manufacturing industry employs 373 people, and the value-added is $25,690,254. [6]: Ashtabula County's forestland is 98.2% privately owned, nearly 214,000 acres. [7]: Managing timber requires less long-term inputs compared to many other land uses.
For more information, consult the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University, Ohio State University Extension, Ashtabula County, Ohio Division of Forestry, Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio Society of American Foresters, Ohio Forestry Association's Master Logging Company Program, Call Before You Cut, and various online resources.
- The forestry and wood products industry in Ashtabula County provides a significant source of income, with the forestry and logging industry contributing $3,922,413 in value-added and employing 141 people in 2010 1.
- The wood furniture manufacturing sector added $10,576,657 to the county's economy, employing 388 people in the same year 2.
- The wood products manufacturing industry, including both the paper manufacturing and wood furniture sectors, contributed a total value-added of $20,425,501 and employed 761 people 3.
- Proper management of woodlands can offer benefits such as soil stabilization, clean water, and a potential source of income, and can even have a direct impact on the county's tax revenue and economic development 4.
[1]: Table 1 illustrates direct industrial contributions within Ashtabula County's economy, 2010, categorized by 12 industries. [2]: Figure 7 illustrates Ashtabula County's forest industry employers by sector, 2010. [3]: Figure 6 shows the direct economic impact of Ashtabula County's forest industries, 2010. [4]: For those interested in learning more about sustainable woodland management, resources include Good Faith Timber Buyers for insights into the timber market, Ohio's administrative codes related to wildlife and land use, AASHE for sustainable grounds and landscape management practices, Ohio State University Extension, Ashtabula County’s local government offices, and various online resources.
