The ecosystem services people associate with forests can be economic, environmental, social, or spiritual. Factors including regions, demographics, and changing environmental attitudes may influence the different ecosystem services that forests support. This indicator report, tiered to the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests, provides insight into the importance of forests to private woodland owners and visitors to national forests.

Investment in the forest sector, both in long-term capital projects and annual operating costs, is essential to sustain and improve the many ecosystem services that are derived from forests. The evaluation of capital investment indicators provides insights into the long-term and yearly expenses aimed at improving forest management, forest-related businesses, and the skills and knowledge of those working in the forest industry. This indicator report, tiered to the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests, highlights changes since reference year 2012.

Exported nonwood forest products (NWFPs) can support the local and national economy, while imported NWFPs can supplement the domestic supply. The trade of NWFPs can demonstrate their cultural and social importance. This indicator report, tiered to the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests, describes values of selected NWFPs based on 2010 and 2023 analyses.

People can attribute meaning to natural phenomena of forests but can also be connected to forests via cultural knowledge, shared experiences, or worldviews. This indicator report, tiered to the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests, focuses on identifying forests in the United States that are protected, and thus capable of fulfilling social, cultural, or spiritual needs.