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2020 National Report on Sustainable Forests

Previously Reported Criteria and Indicators for Forest Sustainability

Here we provide data and analysis describing forest conditions and trends as they relate to the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of forest sustainability. We use the Montréal Process Criteria and Indicators—an internationally agreed upon set of sustainability measures—to organize this information. Individual reports for each of the Montréal Process' 54 indicators are provided, covering topics ranging from biodiversity conservation to forest fires to the many benefits we derive from forests. 

The Indicator Reports posted below were utilized in the development of the 2020 National Report on Sustainable Forests.  

 

Describes the types of forest found in the United States, the area they inhabit, and the diversity of plants and animals found within them. 

Ecosystem Diversity 

Species Diversity

Genetic Diversity

Describes the capacity of our forests to produce products that are valued by society.

Describes the health or our forests and the various disturbance processes that occur in them. 

Describes the condition of soil and water in our forests and the steps we are taking to sustain these resources. 

Protective Function

Soil

Water

Measures the amount of carbon stored in our forests and in long-lasting wood products, and the amount of carbon emissions avoided through the use of wood for energy. 

Describes the various social and economic aspects of forests in the United States, including (1) production and consumption of forest outputs; (2) investments in forests and the forest sector; (3) employment and forest communities; (4) recreation and tourism; and (5) the cultural and spiritual values associated with forests. 

Production and Consumption

Investment in the Forest Sector

Employment and Community Needs

Recreation and Tourism 

Cultural, Social and Spiritual Needs and Values

Describes the laws, policies and institutions that help determine forest management in the United States. Please note that these indicators have been revised and reduced since the 2010 report. 

 

 

Access Indicator Reports that have been published since 2024 and will be utilized in the development of the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests on the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests page. 

Last updated June 25, 2026
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