The White Oak Initiative is a diverse coalition of partners committed to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests as well as the economic, social and environmental benefits they provide.

American white oak is a tree species currently occupying more than 104 million acres of public and private forestland across much of the eastern and central United States. Not only do white oak forests support extensive plant and animal biodiversity, white oak is the most commercially important timber oak, generating billions of dollars annually and supplying necessary material to industries such as furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and wine and spirits.

THE CHALLENGE

Due to shifts in land management and ecological changes, older white oak trees are not being replaced by younger white oak trees at a pace that will support long-term sustainability.

COLLABORATION

The White Oak Initiative brings together industries, universities, state and federal agencies, private landowners, conservation organizations and trade associations.

THE SOLUTION

Reversing the decline of America’s white oak population is possible, but intervention and support for recommended forest management practices must begin today.