Map of NY State showing forested acres of 5 acres and larger

New York has more forestland than any other state in the Northeast.

New York State is 63% forested—forests cover 18.9 million acres of our 30 million total acres. Today, New York has more forest than it has had in the past 150 years. New Yorkers enjoy many benefits from this forested land, benefits which have improved the lives of all residents, even those living in cities far away from large tracts of forests. These benefits include: 

• Clean water
• Clean air
• Fish and wildlife habitat
• Flood protection
• Reduction of greenhouse gases
• Open space
• Recreational opportunities
• Scenic beauty
• Economic benefits from forest products

New York’s forests are a rich mix of stands of varying sizes, ages, and stocking levels. Northern hardwood forests make up over 53% of the forest cover. Much of this land is privately owned and managed for wood or pulp. New York’s forests are largely privately owned by individuals, families and businesses, who together own over 76% of the forest. New York produces a variety of forest products. Paper products, flooring, furniture, and maple syrup are all products produced in New York using the state’s abundant forest resources. Top New York timber species include:

• Red Oak
• White Pine
• White Ash
• Cherry
• Hickory
• Yellow Birch
• Sugar Maple
• Red Maple
• Norway Spruce
• Beech