AFA NEWSROOM - June 6, 2025

2025 AFA Annual Meeting: All Forestry, All Beach, All Ours

We’re heading back to the beautiful Perdido Beach Resort for the 2025 AFA Annual Meeting - and this time, we’ve taken it to the next level.

For the first time in over 30 years, AFA has reserved the entire resort. That means from September 7-9, it’s all forestry, all the time. Just our people, our industry, and one incredible setting to connect, unwind, and celebrate what we do best.

Last year’s meeting was unforgettable - and we’re turning up the volume in 2025. With more room to gather, more time to build relationships, and a whole resort dedicated to our members, it’s shaping up to be the biggest and best AFA Annual Meeting yet.

Registration is officially open!

The hotel room block opens June 9th, so don’t wait to make your plans.

Bookmark the link below and get ready for three days of Sun, Sand, and a SEA of nothing but forestry folks - you don’t want to miss it!

AFA Annual Meeting

Thinking About Sponsoring and/or Exhibiting?

No worries - there’s still time! Head over to our AFA Annual Meeting website site (linked above) to check out all of our 2025 Sponsorship opportunities.

Green Methanol Momentum Builds: SunGas, C2X, and Global Backers Advance Landmark U.S. Project

Green methanol is emerging as a pivotal solution to the supply of cleaner energy products that are experiencing increased demand. Two significant developments underscore this momentum: the advancement of the Beaver Lake Renewable Energy (Beaver Lake) project in Louisiana and a substantial $100 million investment into green methanol initiatives by industry leaders.

Forisk Timberland Transactions: 2025 Update

As noted in previous updates, 2023 and 2024 were below average years for timberland transaction volume, averaging just over 1.0 million acres per year. Over the last 10 years, the average was closer to 3.0 million acres annually. Through the first quarter of 2025, Forisk tracked 7 transactions totaling 99 thousand acres, which trends well below historic levels.

The availability of transaction data can lag and we routinely update our database with information on deals that closed several quarters prior, so the 99 thousand acres simply provides a snapshot of shareable deals at this time. Regardless, it does provide a reading on the current state of the market: tepid.

Conservation Through Collaboration:

Working Together for Alabama's Future

The Alabama Forestry Foundation (AFF) is committed to ensuring that landowners’ rights are protected while also providing them with opportunities to engage in conservation efforts that align with their management objectives. By working with programs such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and the Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS), landowners can enhance conservation outcomes while maintaining the ability to manage their land according to their goals.

What’s the Story With Q1 2025 Southern Pine Exports?

Q1 2025 exports of Southern Pine lumber (treated and untreated) were 12% behind the same quarter in 2024 at 122 MMBF, but up 2% over the fourth quarter of 2024, according to March 2025 data from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Services’ Global Agricultural Trade System.

On a monthly basis, Southern Pine lumber exports were down 20% in March over March 2024 but up 4.6% over February 2025.

When looking at the report by dollar value, Southern Pine exports are down 7% to $50 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, but down 17% over the fourth quarter of 2024. Mexico led the way at $13.2 million, followed by the Dominican Republic at $10.4 million, and Canada at $4.3 million. The total global value in March hit a six-month high of $18 million.

AFF & Partners are Hosting Upcoming Events Across the State

Curious about how Prescribed Fire can enhance the health of your woodlands? The Alabama Forestry Foundation and its partners invite you to register for upcoming Learn & Burn events. Keep checking back - we will be adding more events across the state!

🔥 Hands-on learning

🌿 Expert insights

📍 Multiple locations – more counties coming soon!

Visit our events page to learn more about that county's upcoming Learn & Burn and secure your spot today!

Events Calendar

Save The Date

2026 AFA

Public Policy Series

January 4th-6th

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

Still need CFE hours? Check out AFA's online CE Classes available for CFE & PLM credit.... 2024 Bundle (5 Hours) is still available. Click the link below to see all the classes available.

AFA Online Education