This year Forestry Corporation will plant around 14.7 million seedlings to grow timber that builds the homes, houses and infrastructure of Australia in forests.

That’s the equivalent of 28 trees planted every single minute of every day throughout 2022 and a substantial contribution to the state’s communities, economy, building industry and carbon sequestration.

National Forestry Day (30 August) is a reminder of this significant endeavour, said Forestry Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Anshul Chaudhary.

“Wood is the ultimate renewable resource, and the forestry cycle means organisations like Forestry Corporation can keep supplying the community with essential materials for generations to come,” Mr Chaudhary said.

“The benefits don’t just stop there — forestry is also a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.

“NSW’s two million hectare State forest estate and the renewable wood products it supplies actively sequester and store carbon.

“Across Australia, the forestry plantation estate stores the equivalent amount of carbon as generated by 56 million cars driving for a whole year.”

National Forestry Day also highlights the positive impacts of the state’s native forestry industry and the stringent environment it operates in.

“NSW’s strict environmental regulations mean timber from native State forests is amongst the most sustainable in the world with the forests careful managed to provide timber while also supporting wildlife populations in concert with surround national parks and other forested land,” Mr Chaudhary said.

“Native forestry is essential for sustainably supplying wood products for wharves, bridges, telegraph poles and our homes.

“Timber harvesting operations take place in around 0.1 per cent of NSW forested land and all harvested areas are completely regenerated.”

In NSW State forests have been harvested for timber and regrown for over 100 years. Today these forests are open to the public for free camping, mountain biking, four wheel driving and so much more.

Each year millions of people visit NSW State forests – getting out amongst the trees in the forest, enjoying nature and marvelling at the multiple uses of our forests.

Media contact: Rod Campbell