Posted: February 10, 2025 | North Carolina Real Estate
North Carolina’s forests are a vital part of the state’s economy, environment, and community well-being. The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) plays a crucial role in managing and protecting these resources, and the 2024 State and Private Forestry Fact Sheet highlights the latest efforts, investments, and accomplishments that help sustain the state’s forestry sector.
In 2023, over $8.6 million was allocated to various cooperative forestry programs across North Carolina. This funding supported initiatives aimed at forest health, wildfire prevention, land stewardship, and urban forestry. Some of the key investment areas included:
These funds are distributed among different agencies, including the NCFS and private organizations, to enhance the sustainability and economic impact of North Carolina’s forests.
The NCFS works alongside the USDA Forest Service and other partners to promote sustainable forest management and protect forest resources. Some of the major goals include:
North Carolina leads the nation in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas, making wildfire prevention a top priority. Programs like Firewise USA® promote community engagement in wildfire preparedness, and the NCFS has assisted over 3,140 communities in fire safety initiatives.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Program supports rural fire departments with funding and equipment, ensuring effective wildfire response. The Federal Excess Personal Property Program also helps fire departments acquire resources to protect local communities.
Forestry remains a powerhouse industry in North Carolina, contributing $35.3 billion to the state’s economy and supporting 139,700 jobs. However, recent challenges—such as the closure of the Pactiv Evergreen pulp and paper mill in Canton—have impacted timber markets. The NCFS continues to support industry growth and international trade, which accounted for $1.74 billion in exports.
Protecting forests from invasive species and diseases is a significant challenge. The NCFS monitors pests like the emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle, conducting aerial surveys across 5.6 million acres of forestland. Conservation programs like the Forest Legacy Program have also secured 22 tracts of land totaling 17,624 acres, ensuring these areas remain productive and protected for future generations.
The Forest Stewardship Program provides landowners with guidance on managing their forests sustainably. In 2023, the program helped implement 204 new and revised stewardship plans, covering 45,214 acres. Additionally, partnerships with the N.C. Tree Farm Program are making third-party forest certification more accessible to landowners.
With more than 10 million residents in North Carolina, urban forestry initiatives play a crucial role in maintaining green spaces. The Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program provided technical assistance to 118 municipalities and funded 13 projects focused on canopy assessment, tree inventories, and education.
The NCFS remains committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of North Carolina’s forests. Through wildfire prevention, economic development, land conservation, and urban forestry programs, the agency continues to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. By partnering with landowners, communities, and industry leaders, North Carolina is paving the way for a more resilient and thriving forestry sector in 2024 and beyond.
For more details about North Carolina’s forestry programs, visit the NC Forest Service website.