Forest Industry

The oldest land-based industry in New Hampshire

The forest-products industry is the oldest land-based industry in New Hampshire, dating back to 1634 when the state sent its first cargo of masts to England for the Royal Navy. Today, forests cover 84 percent of the Granite State, and, as a renewable resource, add much to the state and regional economy.

Based on New Hampshire's most recent forest industry economic contribution report, available here, the annual value of output of New Hampshire’s forest-products industry totals nearly $1.7 billion. When accounting for the ripple-effect on the rest of the economy, estimates reach as high as $2.6 billion in economic output.

Approximately 6,000 workers work in the forest products sectors, including 1,100 logging related jobs, 1,250 forestry related jobs, and 1,000 primary forest products related positions. 

Andy Fast
Forest Industry Specialist
(603)841-6544
andrew.fast@unh.edu

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