ABSTRACT

Forestry has much to offer community and regional interests in economic growth and development. Its ability to contribute depends in large measure on the availability of information provided by well designed research programs. Forestry can contribute to community and regional economic growth and development in a number of ways. Consider three primary methods—all of which contribute to employment and income. There are: direct source of employment, source of raw material and support for tourism. Forestry and forestry enterprises are part of community and regional economic systems. A substantial amount of research concerning community and regional economic development has been accomplished. The contribution of forestry to economic growth and development is often unknown or is highly uncertain. Forestry offers significant potential as a contributor to the economic growth and development of many regions and communities. Forest resource economists can make a substantial contribution to enhanced understanding of forestry's role in regional economic development.