Useful Guide to Passing Your Timberland to the Next Generation.
15 tips to choose from to implement your Family Business Succession Plan.
Implementing a Strategy to Gain Access to Land.
This 5-minute video from LandThink is a good place to start.
Cutting Edge Design for Builders Using Wood.
Kick back and enjoy this YouTube video about Mass Timber buildings. This (hopefully) could be the future of wood.
Underground Carbon Storage Ruled Unconstitutional.
North Dakota Trial Judge says statute forcing non-consenting surface owners to participate is unlawful because it does not provide for “Just Compensation”. Appeal Likely. Full Opinion here.
Wood Scores Big in Providing Acoustic Benefits in Buildings.
Architects are being asked to balance a number of values when recommending a building product. Wood scores high in minimizing global warming, providing thermal insulation, reducing energy use, and the latest- providing acoustical comfort, or sound deadening.
Whiskey making in US drops to lowest level since 2018. Jim Beam temporarily closing facility in Kentucky. Related? White Oak Sawtimber prices down more than 14% since last year.
Creative Ways to Finance That Next Land Purchase.
Using existing land as collateral, consolidating existing loans, using lines of credit, using retirement accounts.
From its Lumber Mill in McComb, Mississippi, Weyerhaeuser’s 5-year plan is to use 7 million tons of wood fiber annually to produce 1.5 million tons of metallurgical grade biocarbon as a replacement for coal in the manufacture of iron, steel and other metals.
100,000 Trees Bulldozed to Create a Multi-Lane Highway Through Ancient Rainforest in Bele, Brazil for world leaders, activists, journalists, and other high-profile guests for last month’s COP30 Climate Change Summit. Their skidders look a lot like ours. Watch the video.
The European Union Plans to Restrict What You Can Do With Your Land
after you sell your timber to your local timber buyer, who then exports your wood to the EU. This “Fundamentally Unworkable Regulation” is being opposed by The Forest Landowners Association.
Alabama’s Forests are the Backbone of Rural Manufacturing.
The Southern Group of State Foresters says that Alabama’s forests provide over 123,000 people with jobs. With a $36 Billion economic impact, the forests of Alabama are a driver of the state’s economy. [But only when they are privately owned, like yours].
“It Looked Like a Nuke Went Off”
Homeowner Austin Sellers rushed home, grabbed a shovel and worked with the Renfroe Volunteer Fire Department to build a fire break. This Talladega County wildfire burned 1,450 acres.
Carbon Capture Project Planned on 74,000 acres of Rayonier Land Near the Conecuh National Forest.
Leveraging a 45Q federal tax credit, Reliant CCS, a Colorado-based renewable energy firm, will spend $500 million to inject liquified carbon dioxide in the pore space underneath the forest land.
Georgia Has Established a State Income Tax Credit
for landowners who experienced timber losses related to Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The credit is equal to 100% of their timber casualty loss, up to $550 per acre, provided they replant. The credit is capped at $200 million.
The Fire Danger Advisory in 21 counties in North Alabama has been lifted following recent beneficial rainfall that has improved drought conditions and lowered the wildfire danger. Thanks to Wildfire News of the Day for alerting us.
Elmore County Voters Overwhelmingly Defeat Property Tax Increase
Cleverly disguised as a “fee”, thereby circumventing the normal process of increasing property taxes, and scheduled during on off-cycle election date, the proposed tax increase goes down in flames. 93% voted no but remarkably, 7% voted yes. Unfortunately the money spent on the election cannot be used to make improvements in Elmore County services, such as a new jail and fire department upgrades. It’s an expensive way to govern, but the County Commission Chairman got his question answered.
will decide today whether to assess “fees” for commercial property, residential property and land only property. County Commission Chairman Bart Mercer wants to know if the county should fund a new jail and make “fire service improvements” from this new assessment, or fund it from current revenue. A small number of voters, who show up at this off cycle voting date, will answer that question. (We just found out about it today).
Do Wood Stoves Need to be Banned Before Someone Else Gets Hurt?
Wood stoves are either the basic method of heating your home for thousands of years, or an instrument of death, depending on who you ask.
Could Maine be the Example of How the Wood Business is Evolving?
Ships Masts followed by Lumber followed by Pulp and Paper followed by the closing of 22 of 28 paper mills, followed by Molded Fiber Packaging, followed by Wood Fiber Insulation, followed by Glulam beams and CLT, followed by Nonpetroleum Biofuels, followed by Fire Suppressants.
Tuberville Leads Effort to Expand the Talladega National Forest
Proponents believe its a good thing when 50,000 acres moves from being privately owned to being publically owned.
Deer Rubs Glow Like Reflectors to Deer
First ever study of environmental photoluminescence used for communication in deer. To a deer, the rub lights up. The glow is caused either by exposing the cambium layer of the tree, or by forehead gland secretions. Either way, deer see it but we don’t.
Pilots for the Alabama Forestry Commission
Use these techniques to search for wildfires. A Fire Danger Advisory was issued on September 30, 2025.
A Record Low Number of Hunting Accidents Last Year
7 total Accidents. (4 involving firearms, 3 involving tree stands, including one fatality). “I hope that means we’re finally getting the message out about using safety harnesses and other safety equipment. But three is still to many”, says Lt. Michael Bloxom of ADCNR.
Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic have an agreement for an all in stock merger and will operate under a new name. Together they will own 4.2 million acres of timberland in 11 states, making the new entity second only to Weyerhauser. In addition, the new organization will operate six lumber mills with capacities of 1.2 billion board feet, and one plywood mill. “We are confident that the merger will generate meaningful value creation”, said Mark McHugh President and CEO of Rayonier.
Wellborn Cabinet Plant in Oxford
invests $28 million for an expansion of its plant in Oxford. Projected to create over 400 new jobs, tariffs on imported cabinets won’t apply to these US made products.
Finnish Researchers Discover Gold in Norway Spruce Needles
Mineral deposits leak ions into soils where plants absorb them . Research shows how gold nanoparticles form inside needles.
Do Trees Really Save the Planet?
Readable article on what carbon credits are and how to make sure they are real things.
Port of Mobile Now Has a 50 Foot Channel.
Port Authority Interim Director and CEO Doug Otto says, “it means lower shipping costs, more efficient trade, and an even stronger economic engine for Alabama.”
Does Molpus Know Something You Don’t?
Molpus Woodlands purchased 173,000 acres in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Molpus says these timberlands are strategically located in areas with diverse and numerous pulpwood, plywood and dimensional lumber facilities, mill proximity and growth potential.
400 Groups Warn Trump of Timber Supply Disaster
Pulp mill closures have erased 42 million tons of pulpwood demand and destabilized the very heart of rural economies.
Expected to increase capacity by 300 tons per day. This added to IP’s $250 million expansion in Selma last month.
Tree Felling is the Most Dangerous Occupation in the US
According to a Penn State study, the fatality rate for loggers is more than 30 times the rate for all US workers.
The Most Important Building Blocks of Big Whitetail Bucks.
Hint: Age, Year Round Nutrition, Genetics.
says falling lumber prices are sounding an alarm on Wall Street. Analysts point to trade uncertainty and a deteriorating housing market.
Scroll past page 10 and enjoy.
Want to see some cutting edge wooden buildings from all over the world?
Scroll past page 10 and enjoy.
If you hire someone frequently to do jobs on your property, be aware of the
2025 Economic Reality Test used by the Department of Labor to classify a worker as an independent contractor.
A National Housing Emergency Declaration
is being considered by US Treasury Secretary to increase housing availability. Crisis caused by high interest rates, COVID era shortages, and high cost of materials.
You’re a Murderer! You’re a Murderer!
One liberal woman’s quest to show her mom that hunting is not what she thought it was.
Three Ways the Swift/Kelce Romance is Like Forest Owners and Their Forestland
1.Both are provocatively conventional. 2.The choice to be joined to something (or someone) else, and to embrace the positive benefits of a long term relationship, can lead to happiness and wellbeing. 3.There is vague notion that this may result in making a little money.
Abolish the Monarchy. Sorry, But the Queen Must Go
Fire ant colonies revolve around protecting and feeding the queen. Unless you kill the queen, the mound lives on. Here’s how to do the deed.
The US and the EU Reach a Framework for Moving Past Unnecessary Timber Regulation
An analysis of why this “Non-Tariff Trade Barrier” is not necessary is written by forester Tom Richardson..
Alabama Family Wins Decisive Victory Over US Fish and Wildlife Service About Black Pine Snake
With no snake present, flawed economic analysis, and lack of analysis of impact on the landowner, the Feds lose.
International Paper invests $250 million in its paper mill in Selma
At the same time it closed 2 paper mills in Savannah, Georgia.
15 Fast, Fresh Dinner Ideas Using Ground Venison
Egg Rolls, Venison and Zucchini Egg Noodle Bake, Stuffed Mushrooms, Stroganoff, Meatloaf Cupcakes.
This YouTube video from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources can at least help you understand them. Start at 6:32.
100 Times Faster Than Doing it With a Tape Measure
That’s what one forester said who used the Gaia AI tool which collects data on a timber cruise. What took an hour now takes 15 seconds.
Wind Creek State Park Upgrades with 5 New Lakeside Cabins
Located near Alexander City, the new cabins are 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. There are new RV pads also.
In Bossier Parish, LA, These Guys Just Got Together and Built a Sawmill
You can curse the darkness or light a candle. “This is going to have a multigenerational effect on our communities”, says Rich Lamb, one of the owners.
Not Just a Single Chestnut Tree, But a Whole Forest
Large stands of publically accessible American chestnut forests are now found in about a dozen locations.
The World’s First “Super Wood” is Bulletproof and Battle Ready
If you don’t believe it, watch the video.
How the University of Alabama in Birmingham Protects its Forest
The University has over 4,400 healthy trees on its campus.
This article from our friends at Northern Woodlands will enlighten you.
Cause it to die a slow painful death using one of these 9 ways to effectively kill it, using natural methods.
Common Mistakes When Photographing Your Catch
Careless handling, dropping the fish on the deck, squeezing it too tightly, and using poor grip techniques are no-nos.
Foraging Wild Berries for Beginners
This guide gives you a good introduction to foraging for food and a closer look at edible berries.
Natural Resources Make Human Life Better
The development of natural resources has been integral to our prosperity. But the author argues that when the U.S. government limits access to natural resources, including energy, there is a real human cost.
Which Foreign Countries Own the Most Land in Alabama?
It’s not who you think. In order: Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, and Luxemburg. The counties with the most foreign land are in order: Butler, Lowndes, Crenshaw, Conecuh, Marion, Monroe, Coosa, Bullock, Washington and Autauga Counties.
Secret Urban Wildlife
The New York Heritage Program has inserted about 50 trail cameras in Syracuse’s Westminster Park. The number of wild critters roaming at night is eye opening. See for yourself.
The custom bird identification tool from the experts at Cornell Lab can help you learn the birds you want to know. Take the quiz and see how many you got right.
Navigating Illness, Death and Disruption in a Family Business
What to do when life does not go according to the script.
Tree Bark Used to Avoid Radar Detection
We are not kidding. Dr. Gisele Amaral-Labat says, “Turning tree bark waste into a material that can reduce radar detection shows that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.” These researchers from Brazil and Canada recently published their findings in the Journal of Renewable Materials.
Happy Birthday America!
Trees gained iconic status before, during, and after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. See this
Article Published in Forest Landowner Magazine describing how the Liberty Tree, Elliot’s Oak, the Charter Oak all played a part in shaping the character of our great nation.
Understanding Premises Liability
Natural Resources Webinar Series features Jim Noles, who discusses legal duties owed to invitees, licensees, and trespassers.
High Southern Pine Beetle Activity Predicted in Alabama
“Prediction models for 2025 show that for a second year in a row, Alabama is poised to be the hardest hit among southeastern states by southern pine beetle damage, followed by parts of West Georgia and the Upstate in South Carolina.”
Another Executive Order Concerning Forestry
This one combines the wildland firefighting programs of the Department of Interior and the Forest Service. The White House says that streamlining improves the effectiveness in wildfire response and mitigation. The International Association of Firefighters likes it. The
Governor of California doesn’t.
People Just Feel Better in Wooden Buildings
Its called Biophelia and there’s no known cure. SmartLam in Dothan is trying to help, by investing $60 million in a new GluLam manufacturing facility in Dothan, right next to its CrossLam facility built several years ago.
Bankhead National Forest Prescribed Fire Team Reaches a Milestone
Began in 2001 by Callie Schweitzer, the study identifies methods for bringing unmanaged hardwood-pine forests back towards upland hardwood woodlands. The team has now reached a milestone of 100 burns for the study.
Using Your Forest Land to Strengthen Family Life
Strong family connections can lead to strong connections to the land.
Hunting Dogs Should Take Note of This
The Alabama Conservation Advisory Board amended the dog deer hunting regulations to make it unlawful to allow dogs, used in hunting, to enter cross or remain on private land without the permission of the owner of the land.
Like a Vampire, Death Tax Continues to Live Despite Best Efforts to Kill it
“Majority Leader Thune opined this week that he felt that an outright repeal of the estate and gift tax is unlikely and that the House’s approach of keeping the current exemption levels in place would be the direction the Senate would take.”
Hygiene Products are Made from Wood
Kimberly-Clark has announced plans for a $130 million expansion of its Mobile facilities, adding a new production line to make hygiene products. Wood pulp is a major material used in hygiene products for absorption.
Public Agencies Lease Hunting Land
Did you know that the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources leases state owned lands to individuals for hunting through an auction? Its bidding process closed on May 31st. But the University of Alabama is also leasing 17 tracts in 6 counties for recreation, including hunting.Their deadline is 1:00 June 24, 2025.
New technology prevents decay in wood
It doesn’t create a barrier for moisture to enter. Instead, it alters the wood at a cellular level by reducing its ability to attract water.
Dense Smoke from Canadian Wildfires
are blowing into the US. Uncontained fires in Manitoba will drift into the Midwestern states and move southward towards Illinois and Indiana. Changing winds may provide relief next week.
This Map Shows Where all Wood Processing Mills are Located
Click on Alabama. See if any are near your property.
Portable Sawmilling to Earn Income
The latest in a series of Webinars from the Natural Resources Webinar Series featuring Dr. Adam Maggard.. Why let the sawmills make all the money selling lumber, when you can make lumber with your own sawmill? Make money when stumpage prices are low.
Do You Own an Accident Prone Car?
According to Insurify, versions of the Jeep Wrangler, YJ, and the Gladiator rank high in accident rates. So did versions of the Dodge Ram and the Nissan Titan. Check your garage for these vehicles. Editors Note: Do your own research.
Young broadleaf forbs are one type of plant that consistently meet a deer’s nutritional needs says National Deer Association. Learn to identify
horseweed, pokeweed, and
common ragweed which emerge after a clearcut.
Institute for Justice files Legal Challenge to Warrantless Searches in Alabama
Game Wardens have a duty to enforce the laws. That doesn’t mean they can ignore the Constitution. Powerful Must Watch YouTube Video.
Privacy is great, but buying deeply discounted land with no access can cause your
head to hurt real bad. If there is an easement, is it transferable? Power? Water? Maintenance?
LandThink You Tube video by Pat Porter has some helpful tips to follow when attending a real estate closing.
The privately owned forests of the South grow way more wood than the privately owned forests of the West or North. Not even close. Even after accounting for what is removed, the South still blasts the competition. Our net growth is almost 95% of the total net growth of the entire U.S. If I were locating a sawmill or a paper mill, the choice would be crystal clear.
deregulation of forest practices in Sweden since 1993 has coincided with more forest growth. 62% of forest owners feel confident about profitability in the near future. Prices for sawlogs and pulpwood have increased in recent years. The Daily Mail says, “IKEA is likely the largest consumer of wood in the world.”
Can this Hardwood Stand be Saved?
“Managing Degraded Hardwood Stands” is a 51 minute webinar featuring Dr. Brady Self, created as part of the Natural Resources Webinar Series, in collaboration with Mississippi State University. It can help landowners determine whether to manage or regenerate hardwoods, based on clear measurable data.
Tips on Harvesting Morel Mushrooms
3 types mainly in NE Alabama. Prime hunting time between March and May. A good spring rain helps. Can be found near prescribed burn areas. Find the tree host. All 3 are associated with Ash. But other trees are Tulip Poplar, Elm, Oak, and Cherry. Make certain you can properly identify them.
“Don’t take my farm and use it as a science project.”
North Carolina landowner frustrated when red wolves, released by Feds on private land after sue and settle agreement, restarted the release program. “Wolves had taken the farm over. There were no deer anymore, there were no quail anymore. There was no wildlife. Barren.”
Southern Yellow Pine Steals the Limelight in April
“Demand for Southern Yellow Pine continued to outperform that of the rest of the North American lumber market.” Southern Yellow Pine makes up a large part of the market base for treated lumber, says Madison’s Lumber Prices, a reporter of news for lumber information.
The New Cheaha State Park Lodge
will be built from materials sourced in Alabama, including Mass Timber made from compressed layers of wood that creates strong, structural load-bearing elements. Concrete, Pack your Bags!
Missed the Sawmill Tour at the Annual Meeting?
This 3 minute 27 second TV episode produced by RFD-TV takes you deep inside a cutting edge sawmill in Louisiana.
Either Lose your Shirt or Buy a New One.
On-line Course helps you learn more about the Southern Yellow Pine Lumber markets by better understanding how lumber futures markets work. The introductory course takes 5 minutes. If you can see how this could help forest landowners, give us a call.
Let’s Face It. You’d be Shocked, Too
Paul Jeffreys of ArborGen says yellowing or browning of needles for a month or two after planting is common and shouldn’t alarm you. Check out his top 8 ways to minimize transplant shock.
Read the Constitution, Alabama AG Tells Fed Bureaucrats
In a WOTUS Rulemaking Comment, Attorney General Steve Marshall says prior Presidents and agencies could have avoided wasting millions of dollars in unnecessary litigation and regulatory efforts. They should have been willing to recognize limitations on federal authority and adopt regulations consistent with the Constitution and the Clean Water Act.
Westervelt sawmill in Moundville buys logs up to 40 inches in diameter. 65% of their wood comes from people like you and me. 29 AFOA members toured the facility recently during our Annual Meeting.
“Trilliums are easy to grow, preferring light shade and a compost amended garden soil.” Did you see one in your backyard this Spring?
available from Cornell Lab. For easiest bird house to build, see
Carolina Wren and plan details.
Tiny Timber Crew Counts Logs: Now an Animated Series
Follow Lucy and the crew as they visit sectors of the forest industry. Meet the Tiny Timber Crew’s Mother at the Annual Meeting.
The Forest Farmers Handbook: A Beginning Guide to Growing and Marketing At-Risk Forest Herbs
written by United Plant Savers and Rural Action, is a free downloadable book which demonstrates how to earn supplemental income through the reintroduction and establishment of forest herbs.
Foreign Investment in U.S. Agricultural Land Markets
with
Mykel R. Taylor, Ag Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University, is the latest issue of Alabama Extension’s 2025 Natural Resources Webinar Series. About 39 minutes.
will increase the amount of time a taxpayer may appeal a final assessment to the Alabama Tax Tribunal or circuit court from 30 days to 60 days. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells (Greenville), this Bill is fifth on the House Special Order Calendar when the Alabama House convenes tomorrow. If you care about this, do something today. The National
Federation of Independent Business recommends this legislation.
Confidence in Knowing When to Thin Pines
In this YouTube video, “Is it Time to Thin your Pine Stand?” produced by the University of Florida, Ian Stone answers most of your questions about timing your thinning.
Slender poles hold up an entire city
According to the BBC, Venice, Italy was built on millions of short wooden poles pounded into the ground. “These trees-larch, oak, alder, pine, spruce and elm-of a length ranging between 11.5 feet to no less than 3 feet have been holding up stone palazzos and tall bell towers for centuries.”
Experts caution that House Bill 509 could have serious unintended consequences
Battling Chronic Wasting disease is a priority for everyone who benefits from deer hunting. Captive deer operations may not be helping. Read HB 509.
New Tariffs … North American Wood Products Sector Will See Few Direct Effects
reports Forest Economic Advisors, 3/4/25.
A Forester Can Provide a Clear View of the Timber Sale Process
This Fifteen Minutes in the Forest video features Consulting Forester Kevin Belt (kevinbelt@embarqmail.com or 423-282-9313). Short, to the point, 14 minutes.
Native Forest Insect Pests of the Southern Pines: Biology, Management and Impact
a webinar with John T. Nowak, (email:
john.t.nowak@usda.gov), U.S. Forest Service. Sponsored by Southern Regional Extension Forestry
(webinar landing page). About 42 minutes.
Inside the World of Silviculture
is TreeLines Podcast Episode 5, 3/19/25. Host Paul Jeffreys has a conversation with retired silviculturist Greg Hay. Audio: about 16 minutes.
That’s sort of what’s going on in Bessemer, Alabama, where a data center has been proposed to be built on 700 acres of forestland.
How to Minimize Risk of an IRS Audit
Charles Schawb says some audits are triggered by preventable mistakes. Don’t forget to list all earnings. Don’t take questionable deductions. People who earn $0/year have about the same audit rate as those earning $1,000,000/year.
Straight Talk about Venomous Snakes
It is snake season. People get bitten. Don’t touch them. If bitten, stay calm and seek medical attention immediately.
Alabama doctors are first in the nation to launch a follow up clinic for snake bites.
Difficult Family Conversations
“Honest, effective communication across generations is critical for the success of any family business. Yet, bridging the communication gap between generations remains a real challenge.” Emma Swainston writes this month in The Dispatch.
Fish Day Pond Stocking Event:
Alabama Fish & Pond may be delivering fish to your area soon. Check out their interesting service.
Do you think European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) constitute a trade barrier to the importation of U.S. forest products into Europe? Do you think EUDR might logically be countered by significant tariffs imposed on European products imported into the U.S.?
An AFOA member
sent us a note today, describing a conversation he had with a wood dealer in East Alabama who supplies roundwood to International Paper. He also sent us a letter the
wood dealer received from IP detailing rules IP will impose in order to be able to ship forest products to Europe.
is a YouTube video produced by Penn State Extension. “Spalted wood is an uncommonly beautiful natural product produced by fungi in tree wood. It offers forest landowners and woodworkers opportunities to generate income.”
You Will Die, But You Don’t Have to Die Without a Will.
“As each generation passes, the potential for land to become a point of conflict among family members increases,” says John Allen Nichols, Alabama Farmers Federation Agriculture Counsel. Nichols will tell us how to reduce property taxes by assessing our land under current use at AFOA’s Annual Meeting on April 23rd.
New Property Tax Proposed for Choctaw County: Many Landowners in this County Won’t Have A Say In This.
House Bill 351. Potential 5 mil increase.
Beware of Alabama Senate Bill 42.
This Bill allows roads to be closed which could leave your property landlocked. If you think you may become trapped behind a closed road, you should
call your State Representative immediately.
Americans Poised to Buy Land in 2025
reports LandThink Pulse, 2/18/25. Editor’s Note: Market updates for both Real Estate and Timber will be discussed at
our upcoming Annual Meeting in Tuscaloosa, April 23.
Participate in the 2024 Costs and Trends of Southern Forestry Practices Survey.
If you own forestland in southern states (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA), please help improve information for forest landowners by participating in the 2024 Costs and Trends of Southern Forestry Practices Survey. View webinar led by Dr. Adam Maggard on 2022 survey results
Forestry Taxes: Important Considerations for Private Forest Landowners When Filing Your 2024 Taxes.
Dr. Tamera Cushing, Extension Forest Business & Economics Specialist at the University of Florida and renowned forestry tax expert, covers important updates to the tax code, deductions, and strategies to help you maximize your returns and stay compliant. Source: Landowner Learning Session from Forest Landowners Association, 3/6/25. Webinar: about 58 minutes.
Editor’s Note: We’re never going to mention this again.
Trump’s recent decision on timber markets not likely to help Alabama forest owners.
One of his orders would require selling more timber from federal land. Sawmills in Alabama are already full of wood.
“5 Takeaways from My First Growing-Season Prescribed Fire,”
by
Lindsay Thomas, Jr., National Deer Association, 2/12/25. “With a growing body of science urging deer managers to diversify the timing of prescribed fire, I planned and lit my first growing-season fire on June 14 last year. It was a success, and I plan more spring and summer burns this year. If you hesitate to burn outside your familiar winter window, or to burn at all, consider what I learned when I burned last summer.”
Forisk News, First Quarter 2025,
features 10 Highlights from Forisk’s Blog. Here’s a couple:
“Anton Prikazchikov credits his interest in woodcarving to a documentary he saw many years ago, of a child using a knife to transform a branch into a detailed model of a fish. And to a moment of boredom on a dreary winter day in 2018, when he wanted something creative to do.” Source: Northern Woodlands, Winter 2024.
Benefits of Writing a Legacy Love Letter to Heirs
“Crafting a letter to your loved ones that contains your estate-planning information, plus additional rationale for your choices, can help ease their burden when you pass.” Reduce chances of your children hating you by following this estate planning advice from Charles Schwab.
Timber Market Cycles: A 200 Year Look at Cycles in the South’s Forest Products Industry.
Marshall Thomas, President of F&W Forestry Services, a consulting forestry firm based in Georgia, helps us understand our economic past in this webinar produced by the
Forest History Society. Video: about 66 minutes.
Monarch Butterfly: Exploring the Proposed Endangered Species Act Listing
with
Brigit Rollins, Staff Attorney, The National Agricultural Law Center. Webinar video, about 63 minutes. Normal silviculture and forest management practices are exempt from being considered “take” of the Monarch.
Attention, LLCs, LLPs, and Similar Entities:
“On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, a federal court reinstated the BOI reporting nationwide. FinCEN has extended the filing deadline to March 21, 2025.”
Bobwhite Quail Management and Quail Forever in Alabama,
with John Mark Curtis, State Quail Forever Coordinator (email, (662-694-0041), is the latest issue of Alabama Extension’s 2025 Natural Resources Webinar Series. About 63 minutes.
published each year by The Land Report includes several Alabama forest owners. The Westervelt Heirs are number 19.
Prescribed Fire Effects on Southern Pine Tree Growth and Forest Structure,
a webinar with Doug P. Aubre, University of Georgia.
Sponsored by Southern Regional Extension Forestry
(webinar landing page). About 67 minutes.
“The overall economic contribution of Alabama’s agricultural and forestry industries for 2022 is $77.3 billion.” Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 2/10/25.
Two Bills being debated in Montgomery this week as reported by ALFA Capitol Connection, 2/7/25:
Do you know what the financial impact of forestry is in your county?
Find out fast with a useful app created by the Alabama Forestry Association:
Growing Alabama’s Economy: Forestry’s Financial Impact. Click on your county.
Tariffs in the News:
U.S.
Lumber Coalition Rebuts Canada’s Offensive To Dismantle
U.S. Measures Against Unfairly Traded Softwood Lumber
Imports states headline of press release from U.S. Lumber Coalition, 2/3/25.
Message to Potential Investors in Paper Mills, Sawmills, Forestland: The U.S. is a Safe Place to Make Investments. “Trump Vows to Punish South Africa Over Expropriation Law,”
Bloomberg, 2/3/25. “South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last month that he had signed a law that allows the state to seize private land in the public interest, in some cases without compensation.”
“Is that tree valuable or worthless?”
Arborgen’s Paul Jeffreys discusses tree values with former procurement forester Blake Sherry. The discussion was split into two parts and published on
November 20, 2024 (about 17 minutes) and
January 20, 2025 (about 19 minutes). Good discussion, worth listening to.
The Southern Forest and Tree Health Diagnostics Facebook Group,
established in 2017, continues to be a popular resource for help with forest and tree health questions. The group is hosted by forest and tree health specialists from Clemson University, University of Florida, Bethune-Cookman University and the Florida Forest Service. Dedicated to supporting the identification of pests and diseases affecting forests and backyard trees, the group provides expert advice and actionable solutions to address tree health issues.
Alabama’s forestry industry is a vital economic engine,
particularly for the state’s rural areas. By generating billions in economic activity, creating thousands of jobs and promoting sustainable practices, the industry not only supports local economies but also positions Alabama as a leader in forestry and natural resource management on a national and global scale.” Source: Alabama Department of Commerce, 1/21/25.
Forester Ed Lewis describes a brief history of Alabama’s Longleaf Turpentine Industry in the Winter 2024 issue of Alabama’s Treasured Forests magazine.
is a cooperative newsletter published quarterly to inform and engage
North Florida Prescribed Burn Association members, potential members, and those with a general interest in prescribed burn related topics.
with Alabama Forestry Commission Forest Health Coordinator Drew Metzler (email, 334-274-5507), is the first issue of Alabama Extension’s 2025 Natural Resources Webinar Series. About 62 minutes. Drew discusses a potentially positive outlook for 2025 Southern Pine Beetle at about 40:07.
The Family Business Consulting Group brings us two Succession Planning articles today:
Predator Management & Protecting Natural Resources,
with Wildlife Biologist Leif Stephens (email, 334-740-1884), USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, is a recent issue of Alabama Extension’s 2024 Natural Resources Webinar Series. About 41 minutes.
Property Tax Increases and Other Taxes and Fees in Elmore County:
“a countywide levelized 9.5% sales tax, a $25 assessment on vehicle and boat tags, a $100 court fee, a $100 jail booking fee, a countywide levelized 9.5% rental tax, property assessments of $25 per year for land-only parcels, $150 per year for residential properties, and $300 per year for commercial properties, as well as a 4.5% countywide tobacco and vape tax.” If you have more details about when these taxes and fees will be voted on, please send information to RLL@AFOA.org. Thanks.
Grant to Repair or Replace Rural Public Bridges:
“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.”
No, Climate Change Didn’t Cause the L.A. Forest Fire Catastrophe…
counters Unleash Prosperity Hotline, January 9, 2025. Be sure to look at the chart of Total acres burned by wildfire in the U.S. from 1926 to 2018. Also, a front page from an Arizona newspaper in the 30s has some interesting headlines not just related to forest fires.
“It’s The Economy, Stupid.”
Marshall Thomas, President of F&W Forestry Services reminds us in the Winter
2024-25 issue of F&W Forestry Report But while Thomas declares, “It’s the Economy,” pages 2 & 3 of the Report describe hundreds of millions of dollars of government grants for climate mitigation and stuff like that. Remember the Inflation Reduction Act?
News of interest to forest landowners
plus lots of online events, and, if you live in or near Virginia, conferences, retreats, and even a summit — all in the
Winter 2025 edition of Virginia Forest Landowner e-Update
Book Club:
What books should be on the “books to read and discuss” list of the Forest Owners’ Book Club? Send suggestions to Lee at RLL@AFOA.org
Urgent Weather Message from ArborGen:
“The week of January 6, 2025, will pose lower than average temperatures for much of the US South. Temperatures are expected to plummet into the middle and lower 20’s (Fahrenheit) Monday January 6th – Sunday January 12th. Those planting seedlings are urged to exercise extreme caution in protecting bareroot and containerized seedlings and consider avoiding planting if temperatures are projected to drop below 25 degrees the evening after planting.” Read more.
National Federation of Independent Businesses Hosts Legal and Tax Updates for the New Year.
December 3, 2025 12:00 ET. Online Seminar. 20% Small Business Deduction. Enhanced Expensing. Register here.