AFA NEWSROOM - December 31, 2025

AFA Public Policy Seminar

January 4-6, 2026

Our 2026 Public Policy Seminar is almost here! We are excited to see everyone on Sunday at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. The agenda and details for the Seminar can be found here: www.afaforestpac.com/public-policy-series.


See you all at the beach soon!

The EU Tells Native Americans How to Manage Our Forests

The European Union has overreached again. In its pursuit of “deforestation-free” products, it is using its global influence to exert control over foreign lands and to project its values, assumptions and expectations on the rest of the world. Under the EU’s Deforestation-free Regulation, which went into effect in 2023 but has yet to be enforced, those who sell certain goods in the EU—wood and furniture, for instance—must prove that the products don’t originate from recently deforested land and haven’t contributed to “forest degradation,” which is loosely defined.


This policy evokes painful memories for my people, a tribal sovereign nation in Oregon. It’s a new spin on colonialism—a regulation based on the flawed premise that Europeans know what’s best for the rest of us.

Happy New Year from Alabama Forestry Foundation!

Start 2026 with learning and connection—join us for January events like the Forest Management Hike (Jan 7), Learn and Burn Workshop (week of Jan 12), AFA Connect on Bottomland Hardwoods with Dr. Paul Jeffreys (Jan 15), and Project Learning Tree Facilitator Training (Jan 30).

Your support makes this work possible—please consider making an end of year gift today!

Renewable Natural Gas Trucks Debut in Oregon Timberlands

When a logging truck rumbles down a gravel road in our Oregon timberlands, it usually burns diesel — a reliable but carbon-intensive fuel. That’s beginning to change. This summer, our first fleet of renewable natural gas (RNG) trucks started rolling out of Goshen, Oregon, marking a new chapter in Weyerhaeuser’s longstanding exploration of alternative fuels.


“We’re always looking for ways to reduce costs, cut emissions and strengthen the resilience of our operations,” says Gary Romine, Oregon transportation manager. “The timing and technology finally lined up to make RNG viable for log hauling, and we’re excited to see where that gets us.”

Lumber Capacity Has Peaked for 2025

Sawmill production has remained essentially flat over the past two years, according to the Federal Reserve G.17 Industrial Production report. The most recent data release contained an annual revision, which resulted in higher estimates for both production and capacity in U.S. sawmills. This revision shows current production levels above 2017 by 7.5% and an increased production capacity estimate peaking in the fourth quarter of 2024.


On a four-quarter moving average, production is 0.9% higher in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter. However, sawmill production remains just 0.3% above 2023 levels.

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!

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.

Join AFF Wildlife Biologist Tyler Sibley for a Forest Management Hike

January 7

Calendar of Events

January 4-6 - 2026 AFA Public Policy Seminar


January 7 - 2026 New Year Forest Management Hike


January 12-16 - Covington County Learn & Burn - Jan 12th - 16th (5PLM/CFE)


January 7 - 2026 AFA Connect, January - Bottomland Hardwoods (1PLM/1CFE)


January 30 - Facilitator Workshop: Project Learning Tree

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
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