Georgia Forests Provide $37 Billion in Ecological Benefits

A University of Georgia researcher has found that Georgia’s forestlands provide essential ecosystem services to the state worth an estimated $37 billion annually. This is in addition to the value of timber, forest products and recreation. This is the first time these indirect benefits of Georgia’s private forests have been estimated.

The project, which was funded by the Georgia Forestry Association-led Georgia Forestry Foundation, studied the 22 million acres of privately-owned forestland in Georgia to estimate the non-tangible benefits they provide. Researchers focused on six types of ecosystem services forests provide: gas and climate regulation; water quantity and quality; soil formation and stability; pollination; wildlife habitats; and aesthetic, cultural and passive use. Georgia’s forestlands were analyzed by identifying key forest characteristics that affect ecosystem services and per-acre values were estimated for each different type of forest. The estimated values can vary widely – between $200 to $13,000 per acre – depending on the location and ecology of the land.

“The findings of this study have tremendous implications for the privately-owned forests of Georgia,” said Georgia State Forester Robert Farris. “Being able to assign economic values to services that many people take for granted really drives home the point of just how valuable our forests are.”

Results of the three-year study were announced at a press conference at Georgia’s state capitol in February. Governor Nathan Deal, Rolling Stones keyboardist and tree farmer Chuck Leavell and State Forester Robert Farris were on hand for the announcement. The final report can be found at www.warnell.uga.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Final-Report-1-24-11.pdf.