How many people does the forest products industry employ nationwide?

The forest products industry plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in rural areas where forest resources are abundant. The accurate figure of approximately 1 million people employed in this sector reflects the various roles within the industry, including timber harvesting, milling operations, and value-added manufacturing.

This workforce not only encompasses those directly involved in harvesting and processing timber but also includes jobs related to transportation, sales, and environmental management. Considering the industry's impact on related sectors and its importance in producing essential goods such as paper, furniture, and construction materials, the employment figure reinforces the critical nature of sustainable forest management and the economic backbone provided by forest resources across the country.

The choices surrounding this answer either underestimate or overstate the actual employment impact, thus making the selection of about 1 million the most reasonable representation of the current workforce figure in the forest products industry.