AFA NEWSROOM - December 19, 2025

In Memoriam: J.T. McShan, A Lifetime of Leadership in Forestry

The Alabama forestry community is mourning the loss of John Tyler "JT" McShan, an extraordinary leader whose influence spanned decades and helped shape forestry in Alabama and throughout the South. Few individuals leave a legacy as deep and lasting as JT, a respected leader and true titan of our industry.

Passing just one month shy of his 100th birthday, JT McShan's life and career stand as a testament to stewardship, service, and leadership. His influence, integrity, and commitment to forestry will be felt for generations to come.

To read the full obituary honoring J.T. McShan’s remarkable life and legacy, please click the link below.

John Tyler McShan Obituary

Remembering Two Remarkable Women of Alabama’s Timber Community - Ann Bedsole and Amanda Littrell

In recent months, the Alabama forestry community has also experienced the loss of two remarkable women whose leadership, passion, and service left a lasting imprint on our state and industry.

Ann Bedsole of South Alabama was a trailblazer and respected leader whose influence touched forestry, landownership, and public service. Her advocacy for Alabama’s private landowners and working forests helped shape policies and opportunities for generations to come. Click for link to obituary Ann Bedsole.

Ann Bedsole Timber Titan Article

In North Alabama, we also mourn the passing of Amanda Littrell (in the middle of a picture with her siblings), a respected member of the timber community whose life reflected a deep commitment to forestry, family, and the values that sustain Alabama’s forest products industry. A graduate of Auburn University and part of the Littrell Lumber Mill legacy, Amanda was proud of her roots in the industry and her role in carrying that tradition forward. Her dedication to her family, community, and Alabama’s timber industry will be remembered and appreciated.

Amanda Littrell Obituary

AFA Public Policy Seminar

January 4-6, 2026

Make sure you have registered for AFA’s Public Policy Seminar held January 4 -6, 2026, at The Lodge at Gulf State Park! We look forward to seeing you there!

Tennessee Town Stands up to Congress’ Unconstitutional Delegation of Executive Power

Located about 20 miles northeast of Knoxville, Luttrell is home to just over 1,000 Tennesseans. The town is the birthplace of country music stars Chet Atkins and Kenny Chesney and, now, the site of a legal challenge to the Clean Water Act’s “citizen suit” provision.

Added to the Clean Water Act in 1972, the citizen suit provision permits private individuals and groups to file lawsuits on behalf of “the public,” wrongfully delegating the executive branch’s authority to enforce federal law to unelected and unaccountable private actors.

Under this provision, an Alabama-based organization called Tennessee Riverkeeper sued Luttrell in November, alleging that the City has exceeded discharge permit limitations through its wastewater facility operations. The City plans to break ground on a new facility in 2026. Neither the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nor the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has sued Luttrell in court for discharge violations. The agencies have also declined to participate in this suit.

Link to Article

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of North America’s Softwood Log Market

North America’s softwood sawlog market is undergoing significant change as economic pressures, environmental priorities, and new policy decisions reshape how timber is sourced and managed. These shifts are influencing log availability, mill activity, and trading conditions across the U.S. and Canada. For professionals involved in procurement, planning, or strategic decision-making, understanding the interplay between price movements, regulatory actions, and evolving global demand is critical to navigating today’s more complex market environment.

Covington County - Join the Alabama Forestry Foundation and partners for 2026's 1st Learn & Burn!

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