Forest industry employment rose in Georgia in 2011 - for the first time in four years - according to a report by Georgia Tech that was conducted for the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The report, "Economic Benefits of the Forestry Industry in Georgia," showed that 46,378 workers were directly employed in forestry related jobs in 2011 — up 6.8% from the previous year. Robert Farris, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, said recent surveys indicate the industry continued to grow last year. The report was issued January 2013.

The report by the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute says businesses that produce wood for lumber, paper and other products generated $15.1 billion in revenues in 2011 and paid $2.9 billion in wages and salaries. The forest industry also contributed $487 million to Georgia's state budget. The pulp and paper segment continued to dominate all sectors within the forest products industry, representing 69% of total revenue output, 41% of employment and 55% of compensation. In 2011, revenue output was up 7.9%, employment was up 12.2% and compensation rose 15.9%.

Total 2011 economic impact to the state was just over $25 billion, an increase of 5.6% over the previous year. For more information, go to the GFC website.