DIVISION OF FORESTRY’S “TREES TO TEXTBOOKS” PROGRAM

Through the Division of Forestry’s “Trees to Textbooks” program, a percentage of the revenues generated from state forest management activities go to the county, township, and school district in which the activity took place.

Since 1983, Ohio school districts and their corresponding counties and townships have received more than $21,500,000 from Ohio state forest timber sales.

According to state forester David Lytle, “Schools and local governments benefit directly from these timber sales. At the same time, these projects create a diverse landscape for wildlife, provide university research opportunities and promote healthier forests. We are proud of the significant contribution forest management projects continually contribute to local communities.”

Two-thirds of the revenues from timber sales are given back to the local community, including local school districts. Forest management revenues, including timber harvesting, are allocated as follows:

• 32.5% to local schools
• 16.25% to county
• 16.25% to township
• 25% to Division of Forestry
• 10% to State’s General Revenue Fund

The Division of Forestry is responsible for managing more than 191,000 acres on 20 state forests. State forestry experts manage these woodlands for overall health and diversity, soil and water conservation, improved wildlife habitat and expanded recreational opportunities. Selected trees or areas of woodland are harvested through a competitive bid process that includes requirements for sound management practices. All work is conducted by certified master loggers under strict monitoring.

Today, Ohio is more than 30 percent forested, compared to just 12 percent in the early 1900s. In the past 80 years, the ODNR Division of Forestry has planted more than a half billion trees throughout Ohio.