Illinois' Forest Resources, 2005

Book excerpt: Results of the completed 2005 Illinois annual inventory show an estimated 4.5 million acres of forest land that supports 7.6 billion cubic feet (ft3) of total net live-tree volume. Since 1948, timberland area has steadily increased and now represents 96 percent of total forest land. Growing-stock volume on timberland has risen to an estimated 6.8 billion ft3. Ten percent of live-tree volume on timberland is in cull trees. Live-tree aboveground biomass is 210.5 million dry tons. Net growth of growing stock increased by an average of 327 million ft3/yr. Growing stock was removed at an average of 60.6 million ft3/yr. Average annual mortality of growing stock was 86.6 million ft3/yr. Oak wilt, gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, Dutch elm disease, Asian longhorned beetle, and drought were among Illinois' forest health concerns.