AFA NEWSROOM - February 11, 2026

Removal of the Southeast U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Wood Stork From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing the Southeast U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that delisting the species is warranted. Our review indicates that the threats to the Southeast U.S. DPS of the wood stork have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the Southeast U.S. DPS of the wood stork.

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AFA Connect

February 19th at 11:00

Join us Thursday, February 19th, at 11 a.m.

Hillary Bryan, Gulf State Park Naturalist

Exploring Gulf State Park’s Habitats, Gopher Tortoise Conservation, and the Habitat Hustle 5K

This presentation highlights Gulf State Park’s ongoing research, habitat management of its scrub and pine savannah ecosystems, gopher tortoise conservation efforts, local school engagement, and the April 11, 2026, inaugural Habitat Hustle 5K.

Top 10 North American and U.S. Lumber Producers in 2025

2025 was a tough year for lumber manufacturers. Lumber prices dropped 8% and housing starts declined 1% in the U.S. Firms shuttered mills in all major regions and North American softwood lumber capacity fell 2% from 74 BBFT to 73 BBFT. Despite this, firms are planning and making investments in strategic mills and wood baskets.

Forisk tracks over 2,300 forest industry mills, including planned capacity changes, to publish the North American Forest Industry Capacity Database and generate industry research and projections in the Forisk Research Quarterly. From the mill database, Forisk annually publishes a list of the top 10 softwood lumber producers in North America, along with notes on changes.

Birmingham Area - Join AFF For a Walk in the Woods -

February 19th

Join Us for the 1st AFA Regional Reception of 2026

March 10th - Auburn Oaks Farm

Join AFA on March 10, 2026, at Auburn Oaks Farm in Notasulga for the 2026 Auburn Area AFA Regional Reception. Come enjoy an evening of good food, great company, and conversations with forestry professionals, landowners, loggers, and partners from across the region. It’s a chance to catch up, make new connections, and stay plugged into what’s happening in Alabama forestry.

Schedule at a glance:

• 5:00 p.m. – Alabama Loggers Council Capital District Meeting (1 hour PLM CE) - Upstairs in the Loft

• 6:00 p.m. – AFA Regional Reception

We hope you’ll make plans to join us! Advance registration is requested. Click the link below to reserve your spot!

Click to Register!

Interested in being a SPONSOR? We would love to have you partner with us! Sign up by using the same registration link below or call 334-481-2135 for more information.

2026 Global Pellet Markets Report: Strong Historical Growth With Significant Changes Coming

This article will review several key metrics showing the history and the current status of the wood pellet markets. The article will also look to the future. The analysis will focus on the power generating sector and on emerging uses for upgraded densified bioresource derived products and how that supports the large-scale production of those products and international trade in those products.

More Than A Tree

White oaks are the most widespread of all oak species, covering over 104 million acres in the United States. White oaks are so much more than a tree standing in the woods. Many hunters seek white oak forests as valuable hunting territory. They know that many of the species they seek – deer, turkey, or squirrels – have grown to depend on the food and shelter white oaks provide.

View Article Here

Dothan Area AFA Regional Reception Returns to the Wiregrass

Make plans to join AFA on March 17, 2026, at Landmark Park’s Stokes Barn for the Dothan Area AFA Regional Reception. We’ll gather with landowners, loggers, forestry professionals, and friends from across the Wiregrass for an evening of good food, fellowship, and updates from Alabama’s forestry community.

Loggers are invited to attend the Alabama Loggers Council Wiregrass District Meeting at 5:00 p.m. (1 hour PLM CE), followed by the AFA Regional Reception at 6:00 p.m.

Advance registration is requested - please RSVP using the link below.

Interested in being a SPONSOR? Find out more by clicking the link below or calling 334-481-2135

RSVP HERE!

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

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

Still need CFE hours? Check out AFA's online CE Classes available for CFE & PLM credit.... 2025 Bundle (5 Hours) is still available. Click the link below to see all the classes available.

AFA Online Education