AFA NEWSROOM - August 28, 2025

Just Over a Week Away - 2025 AFA Annual Meeting!

The countdown is on! The 2025 AFA Annual Meeting kicks off September 7–9 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic gathering of forestry leaders from all over the south.

We are excited to welcome Coach Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator for Alabama, as our Keynote Speaker. Plus, don’t miss Monday’s CEO Panel Discussion, moderated by Nathaniel Ledbetter, Alabama Speaker of the House, with insights from:

Caroline Dauzat, Owner, Rex Lumber
Glenn Nunziata, CEO, Enviva
Doug Otto, Interim Director, Alabama Port Authority

Registration is still open -and we have 4 last-minute rooms available! If you’re in need, email Liz at lchambers@alaforestry.org.

Important Note: If you plan to bring a spouse or guest who will participate in any Annual Meeting events, please be sure they are registered. With our meeting’s growth, official event name-tags will serve as the only entry for all sessions, receptions, meals & activities. If you are already registered and need to add a spouse - email Liz and she can add it onto your current registration!

To find the full agenda & registration info - click the link below!

2025 AFA Annual Meeting

A special thank you to our GOLD Level Sponsors for their generous support of the 2025 AFA Annual Meeting. Your partnership helps make this gathering possible, and we’re proud to recognize your commitment to Alabama’s forestry community!

Join us for a Back the Blue Lunch in Alabaster with Representative Russell Bedsole on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 11am – 1pm! If you would like to volunteer, please contact askipper@alaforestry.org.

Alabama Forestry Association Endorses Young Boozer for Re-Election as State Treasurer

State Treasurer Young Boozer has gained a number of valuable endorsements in his bid to remain Alabama’s chief financial officer, and on Tuesday, the impressive trend continued with a declaration of support from the Alabama Forestry Association.

“Young has done, and will continue to do, an exceptional job serving as Alabama’s Treasurer,” said Chris Isaacson, AFA President and CEO. “His expertise and experience in the finance sector make him a great fit for State Treasurer, and we are proud to endorse him once again.”

Court Victory Restores Property Rights for Alabama Landowners

For generations, Alabama’s Skipper family has managed their forests with care—only to find themselves branded as stewards of an endangered snake habitat that no one could prove actually existed.

This week, a federal judge handed the family a decisive victory, ruling that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service had overreached when it declared more than 39,000 acres in Clarke County as “critical habitat” for the black pine snake without credible evidence.

Take a Look

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.

FutureMetrics: Coal-to-Wood Pellet Conversions Can Help Meet Projected Growth in US Power Demand

FutureMetrics LLC on Aug. 21 published a white paper that describes how converting U.S. coal-fired power plants to burn wood pellets can help fill the projected gap between U.S. power generation capacity and electricity demand.

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

AFA Online Education