AFA NEWSROOM - May 16, 2025

AFA Young Leaders Class Visits Montgomery

During the recent Young Leaders Montgomery session, the 2025 class gained a greater understanding of and appreciation for state government and the work done by the Alabama Forestry Association on behalf of its members.

Take a Look

Rural Logging Efficiency Grants Awarded to Replace Bridges and Strengthen Timber Transportation

The Board of the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) voted unanimously at their quarterly meeting in April to award projects to six counties in the launch of the Rural Bridge Grant initiative. Established through the Alabama Legislature’s Rural Logging Efficiency Act of 2023 and funded in the FY25 General Fund Budget, this program is dedicated to upgrading the infrastructure of rural, county-maintained bridges that currently hinder the efficient transport of timber to sawmills and manufacturing facilities.

Georgia-Pacific to Close Cedar Springs Containerboard Mill

Employees at the Cedar Springs Containerboard mill in Georgia were told today that Georgia-Pacific plans to permanently close the operation later this year. Most positions will be eliminated by August 1, 2025. All jobs at the Cedar Springs mill will eventually be impacted.

Various factors influenced this difficult decision. Ultimately, we do not believe that the mill can competitively serve our customers in the long term. This decision has nothing to do with the quality of work of Georgia-Pacific’s employees at the Cedar Springs mill.

ForestryWorks®

Own Stephanie Fuller Receives FRA’S 2025 National Technical Writing Award

The Forest Resources Association (FRA) proudly recognized Stephanie Fuller, Director of Promotions and Economic Development for the Forest Workforce Training Institute (ForestryWorks®), as the recipient of the 2025 National Technical Writing Award. The honor was presented during FRA’s 2025 Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the Southeastern Region Spring Meeting in Miramar Beach, Florida.

This year is off to a fast start, and we’re proud to reflect on an action-packed first few months of 2025. From the exciting growth of industry-recognized certificate programs to impactful trainings and meetings, we’re continuing to make strides in supporting workforce development within the forest industry. ForestryWorks® is deeply grateful for the many individuals and organizations working to advance the future of our workforce.

Take a Look

DHA: Canada Rescinds Surtax on U.S Plywood and Veneer

The Decorative Hardwoods Association is reporting that the Canadian government is rescinding tariffs on certain U.S. plywoods and veneers.

Lumber, Building Materials Dealer Groups Raise Tariff Alarms; Lumber Coalition Shows Support

Two associations representing dealers of lumber and building materials are opposing tariffs or urging caution on tariff implementation, while a coalition of lumber producers continue to show strong support for President Trump's proposed tariffs on lumber and other materials and goods.

Beyond Tariffs: A Nuanced Look at US-Canada Lumber Trade

The US-Canada lumber trade is a cornerstone of the North American forest products industry, frequently spotlighted for its tariff disputes and economic stakes. Recent policy shifts have reignited discussions about supply chains, costs, and market resilience, often casting the relationship as a battleground of competing interests. Yet, beneath the headlines lies a more intricate story—one of interdependence, mutual benefit, and evolving global dynamics that shape the forest value chain.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following are sources of additional information on Canadian lumber trade.

U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Lumber: What’s Happening Now and What’s Next

Frequently Asked Questions – Softwood Lumber

U.S. Lumber Coalition

Forest Products Association of Canada

Forest Loss to Farms and Cities Linked to Declining Drinking Water Quality

A new study from North Carolina State University researchers finds that conversion of forests to urban development or agriculture near streams can have harmful effects on water quality downstream, presenting both health concerns and raising the cost of water treatment.

Using a model called the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, researchers mapped out the current and projected future effects of four land-use scenarios at 15 water intake locations across the Middle Chattahoochee watershed in Georgia and Alabama.

AFA Endorsed Candidate Heath Allbright Wins Alabama House District 11 Republican Primary

Heath Allbright, a businessman, farmer and former two-term member of the Cullman County Board of Education, won Tuesday’s Republican nomination for the House District 11 in the special primary election.

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

New Portable Timber Bridge Can Be Assembled On-Site in Hours!

New type of cross-laminated timber and steel bridge is lighter, faster and more durable than other types of timber-mat, steel and concrete bridges.

A new, quick-to-deploy temporary bridge made from lightweight cross-laminated timber and steel could revolutionise civil construction, saving time and money and eliminating the need for permits.

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

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

AFA Online Education