There are 2.3 billion acres of land area in the U.S. and forest land was about one-half in 1630 (one billion acres). Some 300 million acres of forest land have been converted to other uses since 1630, predominantly because of clearing for agriculture in the East.

According to the Forest Inventory and Analysis National Program, "forest resources of the U.S. have continued improving in general condition and quality, as measured by increased average size and volume of trees". This trend has been evident since the 1960s and before. The total forestland acreage has remained stable since 1900.

Forest Acreage Trendline by Region - U.S. Forest Service/FIA