Georgia’s forest industry continues to record solid gains for the state. According to a new report from the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, the industry’s output, employment, and compensation all had robust growth between 2014 and 2015.

Highlights of the “Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia: 2015” report show the industry’s total economic impact in Georgia was nearly $32.2 billion, a 12.1% increase from 2014. The figures include dollars brought into the state, which recirculate through all major industries. A 14% rise to $19.2 billion over the previous year was shown in output generated directly by the industry. Compensation, including wages and salaries, rose $17.3% to $3.55 billion, and across all manufacturing industries in the state, the forest products industry ranked first in total compensation. For the fifth consecutive year, positive job growth was recorded in Georgia’s forest industry, with 1,645 jobs gained.

“These numbers continue to reflect a healthy, sustainable forestry sector in Georgia,” said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “It’s providing jobs, tax revenue, products we depend on, and tremendous environmental service value in terms of clean air, clean water, and much more,” he said.

The new report showed forestry continued to be a solid economic engine for Georgia, providing $753 million in tax revenues for 2015. Net state revenues generated by the forest industry equaled $360 million, which is double what it was in 2011. To access a summary of “Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia: 2015,” click here http://bit.ly/2g03HmL. To see the full report, click here http://bit.ly/2fOOjfg.

For more information about Georgia’s forest industry and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.