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Hayes D. Brown, attorney and forest owner, will moderate this news conference.
Hayes’ email address is hbrown@afoa.org.
Eve Brantley is the director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Extension has long served as a valuable resource for Alabama landowners, offering research-based education, technical guidance, and on-the-ground support for everything from forest management to wildlife and land stewardship. Eve joins us to discuss her new role, her vision for the future of Extension, and how forest landowners across the state can take advantage of the programs, expertise, and services available through the Extension System.
Claude Jenkins is a wildlife biologist with the Alabama Wildlife Federation and an expert on the Alabama Black Belt Prairie Initiative. Alabama’s Black Belt region is known for its rich soils, unique prairie ecosystems, and incredible diversity of plant and wildlife species, making it one of the state’s most important natural landscapes. Claude joins us to share his insight into what makes the Black Belt so special, why these prairie habitats matter, and why landowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike should appreciate and help conserve this remarkable part of Alabama.
QUESTIONS:
Ethan Tapper is a forester, ecologist, and bestselling author of How to Love a Forest. He has become a leading voice in ecosystem stewardship and forest advocacy, and through his writing, public speaking, and widely followed social media platforms, he has helped millions of people better understand their relationship with forests and the natural world. He joins us to discuss the importance of storytelling in forestry and conservation, why connecting people to the “why” behind stewardship matters, and how forest landowners can more effectively share their stories to inspire understanding, responsibility, and hope for the future.
Tom Richardson is aware of the growing concerns surrounding the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and what it could mean for America’s family forest owners. In his recent article, he explains how the regulation, though aimed at combating global deforestation, could create significant challenges for private landowners and the U.S. forest products industry by imposing burdensome requirements on sustainably managed American forests. Tom joins us to shares his knowledge on why many in the forestry community view the regulation as a threat to private property rights, rural economies, and the future of family-owned timberland, while also discussing why forest landowners should stay informed on policies that could impact markets and forest management here at home.
