Message from the State Forester

Our Mission is to develop, protect, and manage the multiple resources of North Carolina's forests through professional stewardship, enhancing the quality of life for our citizens while ensuring the continuity of these vital resources.

Forests are many things to many people. They provide clean water and air, timber for wood products, wildlife habitats, stable soil, and recreational opportunities. They also beautify any given area.

North Carolina's forests are among the state's most important natural resources. They are also an important economic resource - over 60% of North Carolina's land is commercial forest land, capable of producing marketable timber for its more than 300,000 landowners.

Today, more and more land is being taken out of forest production. Urban sprawl has claimed forested areas that never will be replaced. Some lands have been designated as wilderness areas or parks. They will continue to provide our state with many environmental and scenic benefits but they will not produce wood products. Of even greater concern is the increasing amount of underproductive forest land that is cut over for quick cash then left idle. Each year, thousands of acres are lost this way.

If we are to continue to enjoy all of the benefits of our forests, we must protect our present forest resources, estimate future need and intensify our efforts to increase forest production. It is to everyone's advantage that the forests be well managed for environmental, aesthetic or economic reasons rather than left unproductive and inactive.

The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) exists to help landowners ensure North Carolina's forests stay healthy, productive and beautiful for generations to come. This website outlines some of the things we can do for you.

Wib Owen , North Carolina State Forester