Forests of Indiana: Their Economic Importance

Mental images of Indiana often range from corn, soybeans, and hogs, to high school basketball. The average Hoosier has little knowledge, however, of the scope, productivity, and economic impact of Indiana's forestland. The State's best-kept secret is that its beautiful forests that draw many visitors are also economically vital to the State's economy. A surprise to many is that Indiana is ranked ?rst nationally in the manufacture of wood of?ce furniture, and forest-based businesses are the fourth largest manufacturing sector by employment in the State.