AFA NEWSROOM - January 28, 2026

North America’s Lumber Market Heads into 2026 with Tighter Supply and Uncertain Demand

The North American lumber market closed out 2025 at a crossroads. After prolonged pressure from high interest rates, affordability challenges, and uneven construction activity, early signals suggest the market may be approaching a turning point. At the same time, structural changes on the supply side are reshaping how quickly—and how strongly—the industry can respond to any rebound in demand. As 2026 begins, lumber market fundamentals point to a year where balance will be hard to maintain and volatility may return.

Link to Article

ForestFund Distributes $7,500,000

in Dividend Payouts

Checks totaling $7.5 million were issued recently to ForestFund participants, theWorkers’ Compensation Fund for Alabama Forestry Association members. Since 1990, ForestFund has returned more than $151 million in ‘dividends’.

📣 Central Alabama Loggers – Your PLM Opportunity Is Here!

Need your Initial PLM Card? Don’t miss this chance to register for the 1st Initial PLM Class of 2026.

📅 Course Date: February 11, 2026

📍Location: Jemison Municipal Complex Auditorium

💲Early Bird Rate: $125 if you register by Feb 2!

($150 after deadline — No walk-ups allowed)

🔗 Scan the QR code on the graphic or click the link below to register.

Initial PLM Registration

AFA Connect

February 19th at 11:00

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

Hillary Bryan, Gulf State Park Naturalist

Running Wild: 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.

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—an evening of food, fellowship, and industry updates with forestry professionals, landowners, loggers, and partners from across the region.

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

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.

America’s Forests are Storing More Carbon Than They Have in Decades

For the past two decades, U.S. forests have been soaking up carbon at a rate rarely seen in modern history. That surge has quietly turned forests into one of the country’s most important climate allies.

A new analysis shows the increase isn’t driven by a single cause. Instead, it reflects a blend of shifting climate conditions and human decisions about how forests are managed, harvested, or left alone.

U.S. Green Building Council Aligns LEED v5 to Sustainable Wood Certification Standards

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced a determination on wood certification systems in the LEED v5 green building rating system in alignment with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), the Forest Stewardship Council-US (FSC-US), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

This includes the recognition of major sustainable wood standards in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), marking a significant advancement in promoting the use of sustainably sourced wood. The goal of this alignment is to spur demand for more certified wood products worldwide.

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