AFA NEWSROOM - August 21, 2025

We’re excited to announce that Coach Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator for Alabama, will deliver the Monday Morning Breakfast Keynote Address at this year’s AFA Annual Meeting, September 7 - 9 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach.


The agenda is live, and registration is open - don’t miss your chance to connect with forestry leaders from across the state....and BEYOND.


Learn more and register today by clicking the link below!

Interested in Sponsoring?

No worries if you’re not locked in yet—there’s still time. Head to the Annual Meeting site to check out our full list of 2025 sponsorship opportunities.

International Paper Announces Strategic Changes

International Paper has reached a definitive agreement with American Industrial Partners (AIP) to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business for $1.5 billion, subject to closing adjustments, including the issuance of preferred stock with an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $190 million. The Company previously announced the decision to review strategic alternatives for its GCF business last fall, as part of the Company's strategy to focus on sustainable packaging solutions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals. 

Norman Crow Continues Sweep of Endorsements with Alabama Forestry Association’s Backing

Tuscaloosa native, businessman and former city councilman, Norman Crow continues to secure endorsements from the state’s top political groups in his special election bid for Alabama House District 63.


On Monday, the Alabama Forestry Association announced its full support for Crow’s campaign.


“Norman comes highly recommended from our Tuscaloosa area membership,” said Chris Isaacson, AFA President and CEO. “With his experience in the trucking industry, Norman knows the impact the forest industry has on his District and the State, and we look forward to working with him.”

Wood Manufacturing Assistance Team

Wood manufacturing facilities are essential to the forest industry supply chain – providing critical markets for logs, low-value stems, and residues. Sawmills, pellet mills, biomass processors, and other wood-using facilities provide essential markets that allow for active forest management and support rural economies across the country.

Looking to add a little extra fun to your time at the beach during the AFA Annual Meeting?

Click each graphic below to learn more. You can add these events when completing your meeting registration or you can also purchase tickets separately!

September 7th



Sunday Night - AFF Low Country Boil Fundraiser - after the AFA Annual Meeting Opening Reception - Shuttles available to and from the Gulf State Park Pavilion.

September 8th



Monday Afternoon -

14th Annual Sunburn

Classic Golf Tournament

Shuttle available to and from the Peninsula Golf &

 Racquet Club.

Forisk North American Pulp and Paper Sector Updates

Georgia-Pacific completed the closure of its Cedar Springs, GA mill on August 1, 2025. Packaging Corporation of America is purchasing the containerboard business from Greif Packaging in a $1.8 billion deal. This sale includes mills in Massillon, OH and Gladstone, VA, along with eight sheet and corrugated mills across the U.S. Greif Packaging also closed its Los Angeles, CA mill over the summer. Cascades will close its Niagara Falls, NY facility permanently by September. ST Paper purchased a tissue mill in Barnwell, SC from Cascades and will reopen it in Q3 2025. Green Bay Packaging in Morrilton, AR has chosen a contractor for their $1 billion expansion which will include a new continuous digester, a new chip mill, and the addition of an onsite debarker and chipper. The investment could more than double the current pulping capacity at Morrilton. Also in the U.S., Sappi North America completed a $500 million investment at the Somerset mill in Skowhegan, ME, converting a paper machine from graphic paper to solid bleached packaging board. H.I.G. Capital closed the Pixelle Chillicothe, OH pulp mill on August 10, 2025. Hood Container announced $119 million two-phase modernization project at the paper mill in St. Francisville, LA to be completed over two years. Hood Container expects to significantly increase manufacturing capacity and feedstock purchases when the project is completed.

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!

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.

Calendar of Events

August 28 - Coastal Landowner Workshop- 8/28/2025 (5PLM/5CFE)


September 7-9 - 2025 AFA Annual Meeting


September 7 - Alabama Forestry Foundation Low Country Boil


September 8 - 14th Annual Sunburn Classic Golf Tournament


September 10 - Timber Purchaser Meeting for Shoal Creek & Talladega Ranger Districts (2.5 PLM & CFE)


September 19 - Beard Equipment PLM Workshop - 9/19/25 (5PLM/CFE)


September 23 - Talladega PLM Workshop (5 PLM)


September 29 - October 1 - International Conference on Forest Carbon and Resilience (ICFCR)


September 30 - 2025 International Paper CFE/PLM - Millbrook (5 PLM)


November 5 - Initial PLM Training - Anniston


January 4-6 - 2026 AFA Public Policy Seminar

Forestry's Financial Impact

by County

click map below

Check out our sponsors by clicking the links below

Ledkins Insurance Agency, LLC


Thank you to our sponsors
Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  X