History of Forest Industry

Key Legislative Actions

• 1662: The General Assembly of Virginia passed the first laws in the New World incentivizing lumber production for shipbuilding.

• 1775: Last supply of masts made from New England timber known as "King's trees" reached England.

Valuable Resources

• Shipping Industry: Trees in the New World were critical for shipping.

  • White Oaks: Used for ship timbers and planks.

  • Cedar, Chestnut, Black Oak: Planks used below the waterline for their rot resistance.

  • Pines: Provided tar and pitch, essential naval stores for sealing wood joints.

Energy and Material Usage (1800-1850)

• Energy Source: 90% of the energy in the U.S. was derived from firewood.

• Industrial Use of Wood: 25% of all wood harvested was used for railcar construction, cross ties, and rail beds.

• Population Movement: Depletion of northeastern forests prompted settlers to search for timber in Michigan and Wisconsin, especially with the introduction of steam-powered sawmills.

Regulatory Developments

• 1881: Formation of the USDA Division of Forestry, which later evolved into the U.S. Forest Service.

• 1880s: Timber depletion in the Midwest led to harvesting activities shifting to the southeastern U.S.

Key Figures and Educational Institutions

• 1895: Carl Schenck began managing George W. Vanderbilt's vast forestland; established the Biltmore School of Forestry, recognized as the "Cradle of Forestry" in the U.S.

Expansion to New Areas

• 1910: After significant timber depletion in the South, harvesters shifted their focus to the Pacific Northwest.

• 1920: Introduction of the first portable two-man chainsaw to the U.S., though its use was limited due to the Great Depression.

Technological Advances

• 1945: Post-WWII surplus of heavy equipment became available at low prices, leading to adaptations for timber harvesting by farmers and businessmen.

• 1947: The introduction of the portable one-man chainsaw marked a significant advancement in timber harvesting technology.