State forest scene of waterfall
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Tennessee's forests cover 14 million acres (52 percent) of the state. Our forests provide a number of benefits including beauty, wildlife habitat, timber production, recreation, air and water quality, energy conservation, carbon sequestration, enhanced property values, storm water control and natural heritage. They face significant threats in the form of wildfire, insects and disease, improper management and urban expansion.

The Tennessee Division of Forestry extinguishes more than 2,500 fires that burn each year and helps control the disease and insect pests that plague our forests. Since trees provide energy savings and storm water reduction as well as adding scenic beauty, the division is also promoting the benefits of urban forestry.

Forestry Economic Impact in Tennessee

The forest products industry has a substantial impact on Tennessee's economy. As 83% of forests in Tennessee are privately owned, strong forest products markets are the best incentive for many landowners to keep their forests as forests.

Diverse, competitive, and sustainable forest products markets are a strong motive for family woodland owners to keep their forestland intact and forested. Active forest management, which includes timber harvesting, increases disturbance and diversifies forests so they can be more resilient on the Tennessean landscape.

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Tennessee Matters Podcast


Tennessee Matters is a half hour weekly Public Affairs program from the Tennessee Radio Network hosted by John Clark. This episode features an interview with Tim Phelps, TDF Public Information Officer, and with Larry Pitts, Tennessee Forestry Association Workforce Development Coordinator, to talk about Tennessee forests, the forest industry, and August/September statewide wildfire conditions.

Featured Sites

TN Wildland Fire

TNWildlandFire.gov

Safe Debris Burning

BurnSafeTN.org

Protect Tennessee Forests

ProtectTNForests.org

Tree Seedlings

PlantTNTrees.org