Geauga County's Timber-Based Industry
In the heart of Ohio, Geauga County stands out as a significant contributor to the state's economy, particularly in the realm of forestry and forest industries.
Back in 2007, the county's maple industry was a notable player, accounting for nearly one-third of Ohio's statewide maple syrup production. Fast forward to 2010, and the county's forestland and forestland production, excluding harvests from government lands, continued to make a substantial impact.
The direct economic impact of Geauga County's timber and non-timber forest industries in 2010 is evident in various aspects. Figure 6 illustrates the impact on the county's economy, while Figure 8 represents the direct tax impact.
Employment is another key area where Geauga County's forest and forest industries shine. The Wood Furniture Manufacturing industry employs 2,343 people, while the Forestry and Logging industry provides jobs for 46. The Non-timber Forest Products Production industry, which includes maple syrup production, employs 22 people.
The employment landscape in 2010 was diverse, with businesses in sectors such as food services, wood furniture manufacturing, wholesale trade, and state and local governments being major employers. Figure 7 provides a visual representation of the industry employers by sector.
Beyond direct employment, Geauga County's forests and forest industries support a variety of related industries, including paper production, furniture manufacturing, and biomass energy. Recreational tourism is another area that benefits from the county's forested natural areas, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. Moreover, the ecosystem services provided by these forests, such as those that sustain agriculture and property values, are invaluable.
However, for precise figures or official economic impact studies, contacting Geauga County's local government or forestry departments would be necessary. For more information about forestry-related topics, consult various resources such as the School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Division of Forestry, Geauga County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio Society of American Foresters, Ohio Forestry Association Master Logging Company Program, Call Before You Cut, and the IMPLAN model for Geauga County's economy, available at ohiowood.osu.edu and woodlandstewards.osu.edu.
In terms of the value-added, the Forestry and Logging industry contributed $2,257,810, while the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industry added $20,776,609. The output in the Wood Products Manufacturing industry was $37,145,897, and in the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industry, it was $55,870,502.
Geauga County's forests, spanning approximately 120,000 acres of privately owned forestland, make up 89.4% of its total forestland. The forests contain 861 million board feet of sawtimber, with the top five species making up 50.9% of the total volume.
In conclusion, Geauga County's forests and forest industries play a significant role in the county's economy, contributing through timber production and processing, employment opportunities, support for related industries, recreational tourism, and ecosystem services. For more detailed information, it is recommended to reach out to the county's local government or forestry departments.
- The non-timber forest products, particularly maple syrup, not only contribute to employment in Geauga County but also support related industries, such as paper production and biomass energy, increasing the overall value-added in the forestry and industry sectors.
- The conservation of the county's soil, forested natural areas, and water resources is crucial for maintaining the health of local agriculture and preventing erosion, thereby protecting property values and enhancing the aesthetic appeal that attracts tourists and boosts local businesses.
- Financial considerations also play a significant role in the management of Geauga County's forests, as the direct tax impact and the value-added contributions from industries like Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting and Wood Products Manufacturing demonstrate, contributing to the county's overall economic growth.
