Introduction to Forestry The Value of trees Economic, Aesthetic, Environmental

Importance of Forestry Alabama’s forestland covers more acres than the size of Delaware & Maryland But Wait there's more

Also… Connecticut Massachusetts New Hampshire  And Rhode Island

Importance of Forestry 46% of Alabama's forestland is hardwood 35% is pine 19% is mixed pine and hardwood

Alabama State Flower: Camellia

Alabama State Wildflower:     Oak-leaf hydrangea

Alabama State Bird: Yellowhammer

Alabama State Tree: Longleaf Pine

General Conditions of Alabama's Forests Alabama has the third largest commercial forest in the nation. 22 million acres of forest land growing over 15 billion trees 2/3 of Alabama's land is covered with forests. Today there are more timber acreage in Alabama than surveys have ever recorded.

Alabama's forests consist of four major types - Pine pine-hardwood mixture bottomland hardwood upland hardwood.

South Alabama is abundant in pure stands of pine. From South to North, the type changes to mixed pine-hardwood conditions and then to more complex hardwood forests near Tennessee boundary.

Alabama's timbered area by types has generally remained the same over the last 20 years. 7.4 million acres growing pine 4.5 million acres growing a mixture of pine and hardwoods 10 million acres growing hardwoods

Timberland Ownership in Alabama Forestry in Alabama is controlled by many small private owners. The typical Alabama non-industrial forest owner controls around 80 acres. These "small" owners - typically less than 500 acres - hold nearly 50 percent of the total commercial forested acreage. Small ownerships comprise nearly 11 million acres.

Careers in Forestry Forester Conservation Scientist Forest Technician Forest Ranger Timber Cruising Timber Buyer Logger Plant Pathologist Fish Biologist Game Warden Tree Surgeon Forest Manager Mechanic Equipment Operator Entomologist Many others

Job Outlook… Forester Foresters involved with timber harvesting will find good opportunities in the Southeast, where much forested land is privately owned.

Requirements A bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, natural resource management, environmental sciences, or a related discipline is the minimum educational requirement for careers in forestry or conservation science.

Requirements In the Federal Government, a combination of experience and appropriate education occasionally may substitute for a 4-year forestry degree, but job competition makes this difficult.

Requirements Foresters who wish to perform specialized research or teach should have an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D.

Compensation and Benefits Median annual earnings of foresters in 2004 were $48,230. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,260 and $60,500. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,050.

Government Forester In 2005, most bachelor’s degree graduates entering the Federal Government as foresters, range managers, or soil conservationists started at $24,677 or $30,567.

Government Forester Those with a master’s degree could start at $37,390or $45,239. Holders of doctorates could start at $54,221.

Government Forester In 2005, the average Federal salary for foresters in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $63,492; for soil conservationists, $60,671; and for rangeland managers, $58,162.

Alabama Forest Agencies

Established as a state agency in 1924 Mission: To Protect the Forests from all harmful agents; To Service and Help Landowners to carry out responsible forest management on their property, using professional technical assistance so as to benefit themselves, their land and society; To Educate the General Public about the value of our forests in insuring both a healthy economy and environment. 

Alabama Forestry Association The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) is dedicated to the protection and proper management of Alabama's valuable timber resources.

Alabama is rich in natural resources. Almost two-thirds of the state is covered in forests, and our water resources are the envy of the nation. Forestry, fisheries, and wildlife bring billions of dollars into the state’s economy and greatly enhance quality of life. Extension is committed to helping people safeguard and develop these resources.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. Michael C. HARRIS, New Brockton

Forest Issues Conservation Air Quality Renewability Demand

Test What percent of Alabama forest is in hardwood? What percent is in pine? What is Alabama’s state flower? What is Alabama’s state wild flower? What is Alabama’s State bird? Who Owns most of the forestland in Alabama.

What is Alabama’s state ranking in commercial forest land? What percentage of Alabama is covered in forestland? What is the purpose of the Alabama Forestry Commission? What is the purpose of the Alabama Forestry Association?

What is the purpose of the Alabama Cooperative service Extension Service. What is the purpose of the NRCS?