Facts & Figures

The Southern Region extends across the thirteen Southern states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It encompasses a wide range of forest conditions, responsibilities, and focuses. The region has some of the most dynamic, diverse, complex and productive ecosystems in the nation and the world.

Approximately 89% of its timberland is privately-owned, making it the nation's stronghold for private forestland ownership. This ownership pattern determines how programs and services are delivered to customers.

The regions's climate ranges from subtropical on the coast to cool humid coves in the Appalachian Mountains.

Its 60 associated forest cover types fall into 8 physiographic regions: coastal plains, piedmont, mountains, flood plains, Great Plains, sandstone uplands, limestone uplands, and southwestern arid areas.

The Southeastern United States produces more timber than any single country in the world.

Forest industry ranks as one of the top three manufacturers in 10 of the 13 Southern states. In the remaining three states, forest industry ranks in the top 10.

As a result, forest industry provides employment for more than 1.5 million Southerners, including 570,000 who are employed in manufacturing.