AFA NEWSROOM - February 28, 2025

Alabama Forestry Commission Warns of Wildfire Risk, Advises Against Burning

With 130 wildfires reported in a week, the Alabama Forestry Commission halts burn permits due to dangerous fire conditions.

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is urging residents to refrain from outdoor burning due to dry conditions, gusty winds, and decreasing humidity levels that have created a heightened risk for wildfires. These weather factors have significantly increased the potential for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.

AFA’s 2025 Logging Legislation, Senate Bill 110, Could Be On The Senate Floor SOON.

We encourage you to reach out to your Senator and ask them to vote “YES” for Senate Bill 110. Please see the above info on the highlights of SB110. A “YES” vote helps the entire supply chain, from the stump to the mill!

Find your Senator by clicking the link below!

Butler Area AFA Regional Reception

March 18th

West Alabama - AFA is headed your way! Click the link below to register!

Reclassification of the Iconic Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

In 2020, the Service proposed reclassifying the RCW from endangered to threatened. After incorporating several years’ worth of information from our partners and the public, the Service now celebrates this huge step in the recovery of the species by finalizing the reclassification. With cluster numbers nearing 8,000, many populations are stable or increasing. Marking these gains with a reclassification acknowledges not only an improvement in the bird’s status but the intense work of a multitude of partners throughout the range of the species to move the needle on conservation.

Alabama Tree Farm Inspector Training- Southern Region

March 3, 2025

European Union Deforestation Regulation | What Has Changed in the Past Few Months

In late 2024, the European Union (EU) considered proposed amendments and a delay in implementing the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). As a result of this process, the EU postponed enforcement of the regulation from December 31st, 2024, until December 30th, 2025. The EU mandated simplification efforts for regulation implementation. As the Commission began working on this, they focused on five areas of implementation: the Information System/Registry of Due Diligence Statements, the Benchmarking System, Frequently Asked Questions, the Observatory Map, and Engagement with Industry.

Initial PLM Course

Monroeville, AL - March 5, 2025

Secretary Rollins Names Tom Schultz Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced Tom Schultz will serve as the 21st chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service.

“Tom is the right person to lead the Forest Service right now, and I know he will fight every day to restore America’s national forests,” said Secretary Rollins. “Together, Tom and the incredible employees at the Forest Service will work to execute the agenda of President Donald J. Trump to make America’s forests healthy and productive again.”

Upon being sworn in, Schultz will replace Chief Randy Moore, who recently announced his retirement in a message to all Forest Service employees after serving the agency for over four decades.

Employers - Time to Reserve Child Care Tax Credit!

Sign Up - First Come First Serve starting March 1st!

Beginning March 1, Alabama employers can reserve Childcare Tax Credits on a first-come, first-served basis - information linked below. Review the available resources for step-by-step instructions and make plans to reserve your credits early.

Why This Credit Matters

·    Workforce Participation: Reduces the barriers that keep parents, especially women, from the participating in the labor market due to childcare challenges and costs.

·    Business Benefits: Offers credits for on-site childcare, partnerships with local providers, or employer-sponsored stipends for employees' childcare.

·    Economic Impact: Strengthens Alabama’s talent pool and makes the state more attractive to businesses.

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!

Click on an image below to learn more about that county's upcoming Learn & Burn and secure your spot today!

Calhoun County

February 24th - 28th

Tallapoosa County

RESCHEDULED FOR

March 3rd - 10th

Shelby County

March 3rd - 7th

Winston County

March 10th - 14th

Jefferson County

March 10th - 14th

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.

March 3 -2025 Tree Farm Inspector Training - Southern Region

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

March 3-7- Tallapoosa County Learn & Burn - 3/03 thru 3/07 (5PLM/5CFE)

March 4 - Initial PLM Training in Monroeville

March 10 -14- Jefferson County Learn & Burn - 3/10 thru 3/14 (5PLM/5CFE)

March 10 -14-Winston County Learn & Burn - 3/10 thru 3/14 (5PLM/5CFE)

March 18 - 2025 AFA Butler Area Regional Reception

April 1 - Project Learning Tree: Deepen Your Roots in Environmental Education (5 credit hours)

April 10 - AFA Dothan Area Regional Reception

May 15- 2025 ForestPAC Pinecone Open Golf Tournament

Ledkins Insurance Agency, LLC