AFA NEWSROOM - January 17, 2025

2025 AFA

Public Policy Seminar

January 26 - 28, 2025

Register now for our 2025 Public Policy Seminar at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear today! From AFA members to state and federal public officials, don't miss getting an update on the State of Alabama's Governance the week prior to the Alabama General Session, January 26 - 28, 2025.

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James "Jim" Spears

1/17/1932 - 1/10/2025


Former AFA Chairman

1986 - 1987

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of James "Jim" Spears, former AFA Chairman of the Board, on January 10, 2025. Jim was a visionary leader and a steadfast advocate for our community, whose guidance left an indelible mark on forestry in Alabama.

Obituary

Forest, Whiskey, and Wildlife Groups form a Tri-State Partnership to Restore White Oak.

White oak restoration on close to 10,000 acres in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee has been made possible with over one million dollars of investment, including a $687,000 grant awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and significant match provided by Dendrifund, Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, and participating state organizations. Alabama Forestry Foundation (AFF), Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA), Kentucky Woodland Owners Association (KWOA), Tennessee Forestry Foundation (TFF), and the White Oak Initiative (WOI) will work collaboratively to engage family forest owners across the Cumberland Plateau region. Their work will raise awareness, develop understanding and relationships to support landowners with forest management activities that benefit the conservation of white oak forests and their associated upland hardwood species. 

 

For more information on this project, please contact Chris Erwin, Executive Vice President, Alabama Forestry Foundation, at cerwin@alaforestry.org. For more information on the White Oak Initiative across the range, please contact Jason Meyer, WOI Executive Director, at jason@whiteoakinitiative.org


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AFA Tuscaloosa Regional Reception

What a night!

We had a fantastic turnout at the Cypress Pavilion earlier this week for our first AFA Regional Reception of the year! It was wonderful to see so many forestry friends from the Tuscaloosa area come together to kick off 2025.


The evening was filled with good conversations, plenty of laughs, and great opportunities to connect with friends—both old and new. Events like this remind us how important it is to bring people together and build a stronger community.


A big thank-you goes out to our sponsors:



Your support helped make the event a success, and we’re so grateful for it!

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2025 AFA Young Leaders -

Tuscaloosa

The 2025 Alabama Forestry Young Leaders program started the year with the first session in Tuscaloosa January 13-15, 2025. The session proved to be a great beginning for what will definitely be an exciting year of growth and development for these natural resource young professionals!


Special thanks to all of the presenters, organizations, and companies who participated in this session.

Take a Look!

Recent Innovations in Sustainable Practices in the Pulp and Paper Industry

In today's rapidly evolving world, the pulp and paper industry is at the forefront of sustainability efforts, playing a crucial role in the transition towards a circular economy. As environmental concerns continue to rise, the industry is innovating to reduce waste and enhance recyclability, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and responsibly.


Below, we've highlighted the latest developments announced over the past month, showcasing significant strides made by companies and organizations in their commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions.

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AFC Launches Rural Bridge Grant Initiative to Strengthen Timber Transportation

The Alabama Forestry Commission is pleased to announce the launch of its Rural Bridge Grant initiative, effective January 10, 2025. This vital program, established through the Alabama Legislature’s Rural Logging Efficiency Act of 2023 and funded in the FY25 General Fund Budget, is dedicated to upgrading infrastructure and easing costly transportation challenges resulting from the need to route loaded trucks around corridors with statutorily limited bridges in rural areas.

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Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

Still need CFE hours? Check out AFA's online CE Classes available for CFE & PLM credit.... New 2024 Bundle (5 Hours) is available now. Click the link below to see all the classes available.

AFA Online Education

Calendar of Events

January 26 - 28 - 2025 AFA Public Policy Seminar


February 4 - ALC - Piedmont District Meeting


February 10-14 - Tallapoosa County Learn & Burn - 2/10 thru 2/14 (5PLM/5CFE)


February 24- 28 - Calhoun County Learn & Burn - 2/24 thru 2/28 (5PLM/5CFE)


February 24- 28 - Henry County Learn & Burn - 2/24 thru 2/28 (5PLM/5CFE)


March 3 -7 - Shelby County Learn & Burn - 3/3 thru 3/7 (5PLM/5CFE)

Click for Calendar
Click sponsor links below

Ledkins Insurance Agency, LLC


Thank you to our sponsors
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