Massachusetts is one of the most forested states in the country. Forestry and related industries support almost 38,000 jobs and generate more than $3 billion annually for the state’s economy. Our forest products include lumber, maple syrup, furniture, Christmas trees and wreaths, and assorted handcrafted items.

New technologies increasingly seek responsibly sourced wood as a climate-friendly alternative to steel and concrete. Locally bought wood products support local economies while reducing transportation emissions. Sustainably managed forests, particularly selective harvesting, yield long-term carbon benefits and build resiliency to climate change.

Massachusetts is a leading maple-producing state, with over 300 maple producers supplying over 70,000 gallons per year. The sector employs over a thousand people and contributes more than $15 million to local economies. Maple sugaring is an important source of income for many Massachusetts farms, helping them to stay in business year-round. It typically serves as a way of diversifying and increasing small family farm output, supplementing income from other crops or livestock.

State government gets involved as it raises awareness of the state’s maple sugar industry and works to encourage residents to visit their local sugar house and purchase locally-made maple syrup and other maple products. As people seek family-friendly activities that help connect to our region’s rich history and traditions, visiting a local sugar house for a pancake breakfast with fresh maple syrup in early March (officially Maple Month!) is increasingly popular. Maple products also contribute to tourism in a meaningful way as many maple producers offer tours during sugaring season – educating visitors on maple sap extraction and syrup distillation within the sugar house… often with a taste or two of the farm’s delicious end products!

Tourism in rural, forested areas is increasingly important to local economies and to the Commonwealth’s economic growth overall. In 2023, Massachusetts joined the growing list of states to incorporate an Office of Outdoor Recreation, citing economic, public health, and environmental justice issues as their missions. As a note… outdoor recreation recently surpassed arts and culture as the major draw for visitors choosing the Berkshires as a vacation destination. The widely acclaimed beauty of our region attracts visitors from near and far.

The family-friendly topography of our Berkshire Hills invites year-round tourism. Of course, winter sports have long been integral – especially among the area’s ski resorts. However, increasing shifts in the seasonal weather – especially precipitation, force these destinations to diversify their offerings, with substantial investments in adventure park components, year-round lodging, and facilities for hosting weddings and other special events.