Page 5 - USGBC Louisiana 2017 Green Report Online

Natural Resources

Forestry

Louisiana’s forestlands cover 48% of the wood, however there is no requirement for forest
state’s area or 13.8 million acres. Private, landowners to participate in these certification programs.
non-industrial landowners own 62 percent
of the state’s forestland, forest products The three most recognizable sustainable forestry
industries own 29 percent and the general certification programs are American Tree Farm System,
public owns 9 percent. This renewable Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the more rigorous,
resource provides the raw material for Forest Stewardship Council.
Louisiana’s second largest manufacturing
employer – the forest products industry – The state’s Forestry Productivity Program provides
with over 900 firms in 45 parishes directly financial assistance to eligible landowners to offset
employing over 25,000 people. An landowners’ costs of establishing a crop - with a few
additional 8,000 people are employed in stipulations regarding their forestry practices - and helps
the harvesting and transportation of the with the state’s reforestation efforts. In 2013, 268
resource. Louisiana’s forests provide a applications covering 21,767 acres for a total of $1.8
multitude of other benefits, including clean million for reforestation activities were approved under the
air and water, wildlife habitat, recreational FPP.
opportunities and scenic beauty.

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the
Louisiana Forestry Association, and other nonprofit
organizations promote sustainable forestry management
practices to protect the future of our forests. There are
forestry management certification systems that set
standards to encourage environmentally sound practices
and protect against the importation of illegally harvested