A Synopsis of Methodological Variations in Economic Contribution Analyses for Forestry and Forest-Related Industries in the US South
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2017 Society of American Foresters. The forest products sector plays an important role in regional economies in the United States. Although direct economic contribution values are relatively easy to estimate and compare across states, several modeling- and data-related assumptions used in contribution analysis create variations among states that can be difficult to explain. Economic contribution analysts were surveyed to understand variations in methodologies used in conducting economic contribution analysis of the forest products sector. Survey results suggest that although analysts were generally consistent with direct effect sector selection of traditional forest industries (e.g., logging and sawmills) in the IMPLAN sector scheme, several variations were noted in decisions to include or exclude nontraditional forest industries that produce engineered wood products, among others. Likewise, there were subtle differences in opinions on which institutions to include in the social accounting matrix. Some policy-related suggestions were provided for consistent reporting.