West Virginia Department of Commerce West Virginia’s forests

	West Virginia is the third most heavily forested state with 12 million acres of forestland
	78% of West Virginia’s land is forested
	98% of the forest land is considered timberland and available for timber production
	Oak/hickory is the dominant forest-type group
	Half of wood harvested is from oak species

The scores are in and West Virginia’s forests are getting high marks. Results of a federal Forest Analysis and Inventory show that the Mountain State’s hardwood forests are sustainable despite increased harvests.

West Virginia is the third most heavily forested state in the nation with more than 78% of the land covered with forest. Oak/hickory (oaks, hickory, yellow-poplar, black locust, sweetgum and red maple) is the dominant forest-type group. Half of the wood harvested is from oak species.

Ninety-eight percent of the forested land is considered timberland and available for timber production. Eighty-seven percent of West Virginia’s forested land is privately owned.

West Virginia’s forests are making the grade by meeting the industry’s needs and thriving. For more information contact the West Virginia Division of Forestry