AFA NEWSROOM - May 29, 2025

Leadership Transition at Alabama Loggers Council

The Alabama Loggers Council (ALC) announces a leadership transition as Executive Director Ben Smith retires from his position. Among the many highlights of Ben’s leadership was the advancement of the Alabama Logger of the Year to the national stage, with Douthit Timber receiving the 2025 Forest Resources Association’s Southeast Region Outstanding Logger of the Year award. Chris Isaacson, Alabama Forestry Association President & CEO, also noted, “Ben played a key role in the legislative success of Senate Bill 110. This legislation includes two critical provisions that directly benefit Alabama’s loggers and truck drivers—an important victory for the industry.”

The ALC extends its deepest gratitude to Ben Smith for his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the logging community.

With this transition, ALC is pleased to welcome Herb Stevenson as its new Executive Director. “Herb brings with him over 15 years of experience in the forest industry and a strong track record of leadership and advocacy. His experience and passion for the industry make him well-positioned to continue advancing ALC’s mission and supporting Alabama’s logging professionals.”, said Isaacson.

Please join us in thanking Ben for his outstanding service and welcoming Herb as he steps into this important role.

We’re Taking Over the Beach: Join Us for the 2025 AFA Annual Meeting!

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 AFA Annual Meeting is headed back to the Perdido Beach Resort — and this year, we’re making history.

For the first time in over 3 decades, AFA has reserved the entire resort. That’s right - from September 7 - 9, it’ll be nothing but forestry folks filling the halls, enjoying the beach, and coming together for one of our industry's favorite annual traditions.

Last year’s meeting was one for the books, and we’re building on that momentum to make 2025 even better. With more time to connect, more space to grow, and a full resort dedicated to our industry, this is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting Annual Meeting yet.

Registration opens: June 1st

Hotel Room Block opens: June 9th.

Bookmark the Annual Meeting website linked below and mark you calendars to join us in September!

AFA Annual Meeting

AFA ForestPAC Pinecone Open

We couldn’t have asked for a prettier day for the ForestPAC Pinecone Open! We appreciate all our sponsors and participants who make this event a success!

Congrats to our Winners:

- Lowest Gross: Fiber Transport

- 2nd Lowest Gross: Nolen Land & Timber

- Lowest Net: Alabama Ag Credit

- 2nd Lowest Net: PCA

Take a Look

Forisk Market Bulletin: May 2025

Mill Update

InventWood Touts 'Super' Lumber of Tomorrow

InventWood, based in Frederick, Md., is out to shake up the building materials world--with an emphasis on strength and sustainability.

Its SUPERWOOD, which was patented in 2018 by Dr. Liangbing Hu, removes components of wood's cellular structure and compresses it, creating a material up to 12 times stronger and 10 times tougher than the wood it came from. Initially, the company is offering its products for facade uses like siding, but the company says SUPERWOOD can also be used for decking and roofing. It also intends to make SUPERWOOD structual beams, which the company says could have a huge environmental impact by replacing steel and concrete.

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.

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.... New 2024 Bundle (5 Hours) is available now. Click the link below to see all the classes available.

AFA Online Education