Alabama Forestry Commision On-Line Library

Alabama's TREASURED Forests Magazines For Articles by Topics Click Here		Click here to Search the Alabama Forestry Commission's Publications
	Cost-Share Programs
		Forestry and Multiple Use Cost-sharing in Alabama This is a breakdown of what cost-share programs are available in Alabama and how to apply for cost-share.
	Education Resources
Updated 2007 Best Management Practices for Forestry 2006- 2007 BMP Random Monitoring Interim Report TREETOPics September 2007 The 2004-2005 Annual Report Champion Trees of Alabama		Alabama's TREASURED Forests Program The TREASURE Forest program is a voluntary program that seeks to promote sound and sustainable, multiple-use forest management. This type of management encourages landowners to use their forests wisely to meet their own needs while at the same time protecting and enhancing the environment. History of TREASURE Forest A look at how and when the TREASURE Forest Program began and the people involved. Alabama's TREASURED Forests Magazine Articles This is a list of articles that have appeared in the TREASURED Forest magazine between 1991-2000. Articles are divided up by topics. To view complete issues click on the TREASURED Forest Magazine on the left of this page. Fire in the South Fire in the South is intended to illustrate that southern States comprise a significant component of the national wildland fire situation. This document reviews the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment project, the current status and characteristics of the wildland fire problem in the South, and the associated impact to the forest economy. It also describes potential solutions and recommendations. Forestry and Related Laws - The Code of Alabama 1975 This publication, issued in January 2001 by the Alabama Forestry Commission, contains select provisions from the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended by the Alabama Legislature. It is current through the 2000 Legislative Regular Session. The Laws listed here are subject to change by the Legislature. A History Of State Forestry In Alabama Published in 1960 and reprinted in 1991 this publication looks at the History of Alabama's Forestry from 1773 thru 1960. Glossary of Forestry Terms Interactive Version List of the most commonly used forestry terms and their meaning. How a Tree Works (PDF) Interactive Version From the roots to the leaves, this illustration of a tree explains what the purpose of all the parts of a tree are. The Alabama Forestry Commission (PDF) The Alabama Forestry Commission is a state agency that has been protecting the forestland and serving forest landowners needs for 60 years. This brochure describing the our mission and services... The Secret of Fall Colors (PDF) What determines which color tone is assigned to a particular tree? And how is the color change triggered? Actually, the secret is in the sap. This one page fact sheet explaining why leaves and how leaves change color... The Longleaf Pine, Alabama’s State Tree The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is primarily found in the lower two-thirds of the state, but also grows in some areas of northern Alabama. This stately evergreen produces the largest cones of any Eastern pine. Longleaf is different from other pines because it develops very little above ground during the first few years of its life... 100 Trees of Alabama The purpose of this manual is to help you recognize some of the most common or significant tree species in Alabama. To know trees it is necessary to learn their characteristics in order to distinguish one kind from another. The enclosed information will help you in your dendrology, or botanical study of trees.

	Fire Prevention
		Firewise Landscaping for Woodland Homes Fire-Wise landscaping can create a LINE OF DEFENSE against the threat of wildfire by creating a safety zone or defensible space around the house. The goal is to BREAK THE CHAIN of flammable fuel between the home and the forest... Don't Get Burned By Ivan (PDF) In the wake of Hurricane Ivan, many areas of our state received extensive damage to the forest resources. The tremendous amount of available fuel on the ground creates a very high hazard for wildfire. In order to protect you, your property, and your community from another devastating loss, the Alabama Forestry Commission is asking citizens to follow guidelines to ensure no lives are lost or homes destroyed because of the careless use of fire. Suggested Forest Fire Safety Guidelines for Woodland Developers (PDF) This Wildland/urban interface brochure shows builders and developers how to minimize the fire threat to woodland homes by providing for basic emergency access, by using using fire resistant building materials and by creating an environment that is more easily defended from forest fires. There’s Something You Should Know . . . Before You Burn (PDF) A brochure explaining the law and burn permit procedure. Also includes a list of toll-free phone numbers to request a burn permit.
	Forest Management
		Forest Management Information Sheets The following sheets are information on various aspects of the life of a forest that a landowner may need to understand the management of their lands. They generally describe various stages of the growth of a forest stand from: the selection of a tree species, site preparation, planting, growing the trees over time, thinning, pest management problems that might occur, wildlife considerations, and harvesting. .
		Forest Management and Wildlife Habitat (PDF) The forests of Alabama are the homes of abundant wildlife. Biologists tell us that today there are more game animals in Alabama than when Columbus discovered America. The key to a healthy forest and wildlife populations is to maximize the diversity of forest types and age classes in an area...
		Forestry & Multiple Use Cost-Sharing in Alabama .
	*Forest Statistics*
		Alabama Forest Type Map U.S. Forest Type Map The state's forestlands cover five major physiographic regions which provides the conditions for species diversity. South Alabama is abundant in pure stands of pine. As you travel north, the type changes to mixed pine/hardwood conditions and then to more complex hardwood forests near the Tennessee boundary. This map shows the general location of Alabama's Forests. Forest Facts Get the facts about Alabama's Forestlands, wildlife and wood products. Forests, Air and Water Alabama’s forests supply us with many benefits. Some of these are easily seen, such as wood and wildlife. Some, however, are not as noticeable, but can be even more important to us. Two of these hidden benefits are clean water and clean air. Forests act as living sponges, catching rain water, cleaning it and slowly releasing it into Alabama’s rivers and streams. The layer of leaves and twigs on the forest floor, called litter, cushions the force of raindrops and prevents soil erosion. Forest soils can absorb up to 18 inches of water from rain or snow. Tree roots hold the soil and prevent it from washing away.... Alabama Forest Statistics This report summarizes the results from a 2000 inventory of the forest resources of the State of Alabama. Current estimates of forest area, timberland area, timber volume, and related classifications such as ownership and forest type are presented. While comparisons are made with values from the previous inventory, methods for determining several key attributes such as volume, stocking, forest type, stand-size class, and site class have changed. The inventory plot design has changed since the previous survey. Changes in methods and plot design were made to increase consistency among Forest Inventory and Analysis Research Work Units (FIA). Alabama Forest Inventory Analysis Beginning in February of 1997, the Alabama Forestry Commission partnered with the USDA Forest Service to conduct the 6^th inventory of Alabama's forest since 1953. The periodic forest inventory was completed in December of 2000. In January 2001, the Alabama Forestry Commission immediately implemented the Southern Annual Forest Inventory System (SAFIS) in Alabama. SAFIS, the new national forest inventory system, requires an annual inventory of the FIA plots. This national inventory provides the most accurate status of our forest resources available in the United States. For more detailed information click here.
	*Market Resources*
		Alabama's Forest Industries Directory The purpose of this directory is to promote better use and marketing of Alabama’s timber resources. It provides secondary manufacturers with a list of sources for lumber and other wood products. The directory lists sawmills, veneer and plywood mills, chip mills, pulp and paper mills and other manufacturers that buy timber. Also, it provides landowners with a list of potential buyers for their timber. Timber Products Output (TPO) TPO studies report size and composition of primary wood using industries, use of roundwood by product, by species and by geographic location. This information provides a snapshot of where timber is being harvested and where it is transported. Timber Buyers and Forestry Vendors These lists provide landowners with useful contact information when managing their forestland. Timber Prices The Alabama Forestry Commission does not maintain records of individual timber prices, since every timber sale is unique which is reflected in adjusted prices. A timber appraisal is recommended prior to selling timber. A general appraiser or forestry consultant can provide these services for you. They can also determine the volume of timber on your property. However, a very well-know and respected price index that provides regional timber prices can be found on the Timber Mart South website. This index provides useful timber price averages for the Southeast as well as price trends. Considerations when Selling Your Timber A timber harvest marks completion of many years of growth and should be carefully considered. If done properly, the landowner will profit from the sale and, equally important, the site will be protected for the next reforestation. Getting the most money shouldn’t be the only objective of a timber sale. Future productivity of the land and protection of streams, young timber stands, and erodible soils should be equally important to the landowner. Forest Products Trees and tree fibers provide us with over 5,000 products that we use in our everyday life. They can be used as solid wood, fibers, chemicals, lignin- nature's glue that holds wood together or fillers and bases for various day-to-day items. Here are a few things made of trees. See how many you know! Forest Products Privilege and Severance Tax Laws This booklet is a copy of the Alabama Products Severance Tax Law including all amendments through the 1993 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature. The law, which is administered by the Severance Tax Section, Natural Resources and License Tax Division of the Alabama Department of Revenue, requires the filing of quarterly reports and tax payments by all produced herein, is codified as Title 9, Chapter 13, 8 through 108, Code of Alabama 1975 as amended. Tax Tips 2005 Here is information to keep in mind when you prepare your Federal income tax return for the 2005 tax year. This discussion is necessarily brief, and you should consult other sources for a more comprehensive treatment of the issues. Other forest tax information can be found at the national Timber Tax Website. 2005-2006 Forest Resource Report, 2004 Forest Resource Report, 2003 Forest Resource Report, 2002 Forestry Resource Report, This report contains economic status reports and trends in the forest industry sector. Maps and charts show these trends and removals by county. Export activity is included for the year, along with comments on trends. Biomass for Energy Production This new bio-based industry will create high-volume, non-cyclical markets for biomass (trees, forest thinning, logging residue, under-story vegetation, mill residue, agricultural crops, surplus forages, crop residues and animal waste). This new industry will revive the depressed timber market caused by global markets and the closure of pulp mills and sawmills across the southeastern United States, as well as strengthen regional agricultural markets. Having another market for timber, crops, and residues from forestry and agriculture will increase the productivity, profitability, and value of the region's existing forests and farms. New jobs will be created, lost jobs restored, and existing jobs retained. New tax revenue will be generated at local, state, and national levels from the beginning and will continue to grow as the industry prospers. Areas targeted for the conversion facilities will be those which are economically depressed, have abundant feed-stocks, and relevant infrastructure available. The growing and use of biomass to develop the bio-based industry is compatible with and will enhance current forestry and agricultural practices. These resources are renewable and sustainable, and can be expanded as the need increases. Biomass fuels have the potential to reduce our dependence on natural gas and imported oil, and should be an integral part of state and national energy policy. There are significant environmental benefits associated with using biomass to produce energy. Emissions are less than from the burning of fossil fuels. When forests are managed to include an early energy thinning, the remaining stand will be healthier, higher quality, wildlife habitat improved, wildfire risk reduced, while not compromising water quality.

	Planting/Reforestation
		Seedling Care and Reforestation Standards (PDF) This 20-page booklet is intended to help landowners and vendors achieve quality and successful planting. So doing, newly planted seedlings will be prepared to capitalize on favorable growing conditions and better prepared to deal with growing conditions that are adverse.
	Programs
		Alabama’s Champion Tree Program The program is designed to discover, recognize and try to preserve the champions of each species. Once a Champion is declared, its owner and nominator receive certificates, and a permanent marker is placed at the base of the tree. Champion Trees of Alabama Alabama's Champion Tree Program began in 1970, when 28 trees were listed. Today, there are over 200 state Champion Trees. Modeled after American Forests' Big Tree Program, it is designed to discover, recognize and preserve the largest of each tree species in Alabama. Famous and Historic Tree Program Since 1981, the AFC has sponsored a locate tree of historic significance. It is called the Famous and Historic Tree Program. The program’s purpose is to locate, recognize, and preserve trees associated with or related to historic events, persons, and sites.
	Urban Forestry
		Celebrate Arbor Week (PDF) 12-page booklet with historical information, tree planting diagrams, word game and other information useful to those planning Arbor Week activities. A Citizen’s Guide to Trees in Alabama’s Cities (PDF) This booklet serves as a guide to the person interested in more and better trees for their home, neighborhood or city.
	Water Quality
		Alabama’s Best Management Practices for Forestry Alabama's Best Management Practices for Forestry are non-regulatory guidelines suggested to help Alabama's forestry community maintain and protect the physical, chemical and biological integrity of waters of the state.... 2006- 2007 BMP Random Monitoring Interim Report The Alabama Forestry Commission resumed a random monitoring program of compliance with Alabama’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Forestry on sites logged in 2006-2007.



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