Forestry generates $21.2B impact on state economy.

The forestry industry has a $21.2 billion impact of the state's economy, according to a new report from the S.C. Forestry Commission.

State Forester Scott Phillips, agency head of the commission, on Thursday announced the economic impact of forestry in South Carolina, citing the agency's most recent Economic Impact Analysis for Planning study (pdf).

In detailing the impact that the allied sectors of forestry and forest products-related industries generate on the Palmetto State's economy, Phillips also said that forestry provides more than 98,000 jobs and $4.9 billion in labor income, according to a news release.

"IMPLAN updates are a pulse check on the health of forestry in South Carolina," Tim Adams, Resource Development Division director with the S.C. Forestry Commission and lead author of the economic impact study, said in the release."Based on this check-up, South Carolina's forest industry has recovered from the Great Recession, and our prognosis is for continued growth."

The pulp and paper industry produces more than the economic footprint of all other sectors...