Thriving Forestry Sector in Licking County
In the heart of Ohio, Licking County is a thriving region with a population of 167,500 citizens and a total area of 682 square miles (436,800 acres). One of the key sectors driving the county's economy is the forest industry, although specific data regarding its economic impact in Licking County is not readily available.
However, based on the typical roles of forest industries in similar counties across the Midwestern United States, it can be inferred that these industries play a significant part in Licking County's economy.
Forest industries contribute by supporting timber harvesting and processing, providing raw materials for wood product manufacturing. This process creates jobs in forestry, logging, sawmills, and wood product manufacturing. The sector also provides resources for paper, furniture, and construction materials, contributing to local and regional economies.
Moreover, forest industries generate tax revenues and sustain ancillary businesses such as equipment suppliers and transportation. The sector's economic contributions extend beyond direct employment, as it also supports a variety of indirect and induced jobs in related industries.
Furthermore, forested landscapes in Licking County enhance recreational and tourism opportunities, potentially boosting the local hospitality sector. The county contains approximately 93,700 forested acres, which is 21.5% of the total land cover.
According to recent data, the forest industries contribute 1.87% to Licking County's economy. The total wage and salary and self-employed jobs, along with the direct state and local tax impact, are significant factors in the county's employment statistics. The industrial output, measured as the sum of value-added plus the cost of buying goods and services to produce the product(s), offers a comprehensive view of the sector's economic contribution.
To obtain precise, updated economic data specific to Licking County's forest industries, consulting local government resources, the county’s economic development office, or state forestry agencies would be necessary.
References: 1. United States Census. 2010. United States Census quick facts. 2. United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. 2012. 2010 Ohio county summaries. 3. United States Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis. 2012. Northeast Forest Inventory and Analysis Methodology: Common definitions used by FIA. 4. United States Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis. 2012. Licking County 2011 forest survey database. 5. Minnesota IMPLAN Group. 2004. IMPLAN Professional: Users Guide, Analysis Guide, Data Guide. 3rd edition. MIG, Inc.
Soil in Licking County is often used for agriculture, a sector that also includes the cultivation of crops like grains and vegetables. The conservation of natural resources, particularly the forested lands that cover about 21.5% of the county, is essential for sustaining the forest industry, which in turn supports various related industries, such as wood product manufacturing, paper, furniture, and construction. Economically, the forest industry contributes significantly to the county's employment statistics, accounting for 1.87% of the total and generating a substantial amount of tax revenues, contributing to the finance sector. Furthermore, these forested lands contribute to the county's hospitality industry through recreational and tourism opportunities.
