Forestry has always been a predominant land use in the Catlins area. Since early European settlement sawmills have operated in the area and a lot of timber has been exported from Waikawa and other small ports in earlier times. As road transport developed, timber was transported to railhead at Tahakopa and Tokanui. Rimu was the main variety of timber with small amounts of Matai and Miro.

The amount of native timber being milled decreased during the 1960s.  Most of the forest area is now owned by the Department of Conservation and is not being felled.

In recent years the number of exotic plantations has increased with land formerly cleared for livestock farming being planted mainly in Radiata pine and Eucalyptus.  Farm forestry is increasing in the area with farmers planting trees for timber production, shelter and trees to enhance the beauty of the southern landscape.