Alabama Forests summer 2013 by Alabama Forestry Association

Alabama

FORESTS IN THIS ISSUE:

Are You Eligible for Recompense from the BP Oil Spill? Listing the Eastern Diamondback Under ESA Could Be Costly to Forest Landowners In Green Horizons: Read about PLT & Dedication of the Solon & Martha Dixon Learning Center

Summer 2013

Contents

Alabama

FORESTS

Alabama Forestry Association, Inc. CHRIS ISAACSON, Executive Vice President OFFICERS BARRETT B. MCCALL, Mobile, Chairman FRED L. STIMPSON, Mobile, President JOE TWARDY, Pine Hill, Secretary JEFFREY P. LEDBETTER, Andalusia, President-elect ROBERT P. SHARP, Mobile, Treasurer DISTRICT DIRECTORS Black Belt District WENDELL LINDSEY, Demopolis Capital District CLARK SAHLIE, Montgomery Delta District GRAY SKIPPER, Fulton Longleaf District ALAN JAYE, Monroeville Mountain District MARK LOWE, Eastaboga Piedmont District MARK TUGGLE, Alexander City Valley District STEPHAN TOMLINSON, Tuscumbia Vulcan District TIM THORNHILL, Hanceville Warrior District S. INGE BEEKER, Tuscaloosa Wiregrass District EARL KETCHUM, JR., Clayton ALABAMA LOGGERS COUNCIL CHRIS POTTS, LaFayette FORESTFUND STEEN TRAYLOR, Selma AT LARGE DIRECTORS DOUG BOWLING, Millbrook ERIC COOPER, Mobile RICK COZINE, Columbus, Georgia PAT HOLLEY, Columbus, Mississippi JIM KING, Tuscaloosa MASON MCGOWIN, JR., Chapman JOE W. MCNEEL, Montrose DAVID A. SCHILLE, Pennington JAMES P. SHEPARD, Auburn BEN SMITH, Phenix City ALABAMA FORESTS EDITOR SAM DUVALL Alabama Forests (USPS #025-358) is an official publication of the Alabama Forestry Association, 555 Alabama Street, Montgomery, AL 36104-4359 and is published five times a year. The AFA reserves the exclusive right to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication. Advertising rates quoted upon request. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Alabama Forestry Association, 555 Alabama St., Montgomery, AL 36104-4395.

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Communicating news and information of, about, and for the Alabama forestry community.

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Cover photo, above photo

FEATURES Economic Injury of Gulf Oil Spill Reached from Gulf to Forest

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: Threatening or Threatened?

Old Foresters Never Die, They Just Cruise Away

Rural Criminals Beware, There’s a New Cop on the Beat!

Featured on the cover, a cypress swamp on Rifle Range Road near Wetumpka is blanketed with water hyacinth. The above photo of wood storks was taken in the tops of those same trees. Both photos by Sam Duvall

Especially for our tree farmers/landowners: Green Horizons

DEPARTMENTS From the Executive Vice President

Contributors

Dean’s Notebook

Log A Load

Forestry News & Views

Products & Services

Wildlife & Outdoors

ADVERTISERS Index to Advertisers

Come explore our web site! alaforestry.org

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From Executive Vice President

Forestry Roots Run Deep

n 1630, it is estimated that forests covered almost 30 million acres in Alabama. Early settlers utilized this abundant resource and early entrepreneurs recognized the business opportunity this resource represented. The earliest lumber mills in Alabama sprang up in the southern part of the state, relying on water for power and transportation. Brewton soon became a center for lumber manufacturing due to water access to Pensacola Bay. By the mid-nineteenth century, Mobile had a burgeoning lumber industry exporting nearly 7 million feet of lumber to Cuba, Europe, South America and the California gold fields. On the eve of the Civil War, 336 sawmills were operating, making the forest products industry the largest in the state, and producing $2,621,241 in forest products. By the late nineteenth century, Alabama was in the midst of a timber industry boom. Dramatic increases in lumber demand driven by movement of people west and massive growth of American cities combined with advances in harvesting equipment resulted in substantial increases in lumber production. Among some of the mills established in the late 1800s and early 1900s were W.T. Smith Lumber Company, T.R. Miller Mill Company, Kaul Lumber, and Scotch Lumber.

These and other family-owned mills became major players in Alabama’s growing forest products industry. By 1910 Alabama had 1,819 mills employing 22,409 workers producing lumber valued at $26,057,662. Ten years later the number of mills dropped to 1,774 but output had increased to 1 billion board feet valued at $61,317,000. By the mid-1920s, however, many companies had exhausted their supply of timber, production fell and by 1930 only 320 mills remained. As a result of major reforestation and fire control efforts led in part by the Alabama Forestry Commission, forests began to re-grow, lumber production began to rise and new mills were built. Advances in wood-pulping technology opened Alabama’s vast forest resources to an expanding pulp and paper industry and by the spring of 1929, the first paper rolled off the machines at the Gulf States Paper mill in Tuscaloosa and the International Paper mill in Mobile. The sawmill industry continued to grow and by 1940, more than 600 sawmills and veneer plants were employing 18,000 workers producing $84,350,000 of value-added products and by 1950, seven pulp and paper mills were operating around the state. More recent history has seen vertical integration of pulp and paper companies as

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they acquired or built sawmills and purchased land. Then came major consolidations in the industry followed by the divestiture of sawmills and lands in the 1990s and early 2000s. Out of this transition emerged a new player – Timber Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) focused on optimizing revenue from land ownership. Throughout Alabama’s history, forestry has played a major role in the state’s economy and the lives of Alabama’s citizens. The forest products industry has been the largest investor in Alabama during the last century. Over the last 20 years, investments by forest products companies have exceeded every other industry, averaging $400 million annually. Today, the forest products industry is the #2 manufacturing industry ($19 billion economic impact), one of the largest exporters (8% of all Alabama exports) and one of the largest employers (over 150,000 jobs tied to forestry). To say that forestry has played a major role in the history of Alabama is a gross understatement. In fact, in order to understand Alabama’s history, you must understand the history of the forest industry in Alabama. As important as forestry is today to Alabama’s economy, it was even more so over the

Chris Isaacson

last 150 years. So it should come as no surprise that many of today’s leaders can trace their roots back to forestry. Here are a few examples: US Senator Jeff Sessions, Congressman Jo Bonner, Governor Robert Bentley, Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, Alabama Banking Superintendant John Harrison, Senator Tom Whatley, Senator Roger Bedford, Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston, Representative Elaine Beech, Representative Chad Fincher, Representative Steve McMillan, Representative Mark Tuggle, and Representative April Weaver. Nowhere in the country has forestry and the forest products industry played such a major role in the history of a state and nowhere does forestry continue to play such a vital role in a state’s economy. MAYBE MONEY REALLY DOES GROW ON TREES AFTER ALL! ▲ 3

Contributors Ray Clifton Ray Clifton joined the Alabama Forestry Association staff in 2011 after 22 year in private industrial forestry. Beginning his career at Union Camp Corporation, Ray worked in both land management and wood procurement. He later worked as a timber buyer and logging supervisor with W.J. Sorrell Lumber and Pulpwood and Auburn Timberlands, Inc. He has spent the last several years as a rural land Broker and private forestry consultant. Ray holds a BS in forest management from Auburn University and an MS in forestry from Louisiana State University. Ray is originally from Sylacauga, but currently resides in Opelika with his wife, Becky. He has two adult sons, John and Kyle.

Gina McKellar Gina McKellar is a CPA and shareholder of Crow Shields Bailey, PC which has prepared approximately 500 BP claims. With over twenty-five years in public accounting, Gina’s experience includes tax, accounting and auditing, business valuations, and litigation support. Gina has served clients in a variety of industries including manufacturing, real estate, construction, retail and professional services. Gina is a native of Mobile and graduated from University of South Alabama in 1986 with a BS in Accounting, magna cum laude. Gina received her designation as a certified valuation analyst in August of 2001.

Jim Noles Warren Flick Warren Flick is an attorney who also served as a professor in the Forestry Deparments of Auburn University and the University of Georgia. Up until a few years ago, Warren was also a regular contributor to Alabama Forests.

Banks Ladd Banks Ladd has a wide range of experience in general civil litigation, with special emphasis on real estate and employment matters. He also has extensive experience representing purchasers and former owners in relation to ad valorem tax sales. In 1995, Banks established his own law firm in Mobile, Ala. Prior to that he practiced with a small firm in Mobile. Banks graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia in 1989, and from the University of Alabama, School of Law, in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in Alabama and Mississippi. Banks’s connection to the Gulf Coast area runs deep. His father is an avid fisherman and a well-known advocate for preserving the Mobile River Delta. Banks grew up hunting and fishing in the delta and Mobile Bay. As a father, he now enjoys taking the boat out in the bay with his two daughters. Banks and his family are active members of Christ Church in downtown Mobile, the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

Come have a ball at the coast!

Jim Noles’s legal practice is devoted exclusively to issues of environmental law, regulation, and litigation in Alabama. Working out of the Birmingham office of Balch & Bingham LLP, his practice focuses on such matters and topics as endangered species, landfill permitting and regulation, wetlands regulation and associated Section 404 permitting, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (a.k.a., CERCLA or “Superfund”), the redevelopment of brownfields, environmental justice, and other aspects of environmental law related to real estate, construction, industrial development, and corporate transactions. In recognition of his work in these areas, Jim, has been included in The Best Lawyers in America and on the list of Alabama SuperLawyers. In addition to his legal work, Jim is also a published author with several books to his credit.

David Rainer David Rainer is a public information manager/outdoor writer with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He is currently the first vice president of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association. Prior to his work at Conservation, David was outdoors editor of the Mobile (Ala.) Press-Register newspaper. He currently publishes a weekly column that is posted at outdooralabama.com and is distributed to outdoors-related media throughout Alabama and nation. David also writes feature articles for Outdoor Alabama magazine.

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Dean’s Notebook

Spring & Summer Are Busy Times for Our Programs

It was my pleasure to recognize students’ hard work by awarding diplomas at the spring 2013 Commencement. This May we conferred 43 baccalaureate degrees: 16forestry, 25 wildlife, 1 forest engineering and 1 natural resources management. This was the first graduate of our new natural resources management degree program, which began fall 2011. We also conferred 5 master’s degrees and hooded 1 PhD. Job placement this spring was good, with many of our students hired by forest products companies, consulting firms, and wildlife management organizations. In April, legendary Coach Pat Dye hosted the first annual Spring Fling, a seafood dinner and auction to benefit the school. There was a silent auction and a live auction; the highlight was $15,000 for a shotgun given to Coach Dye by Bo Jackson. Thanks to our many sponsors and donors, a net of $53,000 was raised for scholarships, fellowships, and faculty support for our school. We plan to hold the event annually. Also in April, we dedicated the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation Learning Center at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center near Andalusia. In attendance were Auburn University Provost Timothy Boosinger, the Board of Directors of the Solon and Martha

Dixon Foundation, members of the School’s Advisory Council, and many alumni and friends. The building was completed just in time for summer practicum to begin May 15 for forestry and wildlife students. We had the last rolling of the Toomers Oaks on A-Day. Georgia-Pacific donated 10 cases of tissue paper for the rolling. A few days later the trees were removed. One of our faculty, Dr. Brian Via, counted the tree’s rings and estimated the age to be 83-85 years old. Several manufacturers have been licensed to make mementos from the wood. Proceeds will fund a special scholarship fund. Dr. Scott Enebak, professor of forestry, received the Harold E. Christen Teaching Award. This award is made every two years to the faculty member who has contributed most to service to teaching. Dr. Enebak is a forest pathologist who joined the faculty in 1995 and teaches Introduction to Forest Biology in the summer practicum and Forest Health on campus. Dr. Art Chappelka, professor of forestry, has been named as an Alumni Professor by the Auburn University Alumni Foundation. Alumni professors serve a 5-year non-renewable term and there are always 25 alumni professors. Each year 5 new professors are chosen and

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5 complete their term. It is one of Auburn University’s highest honors for its faculty to be selected from among the 1200 faculty on campus. Two of our school’s faculty are currently alumni professors; the other is Dr. Daowei Zhang. Dr. Maobing Tu, an assistant professor, has been awarded a $401,000 CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study the production of butanol from cellulosic biomass. NSF CAREER awards are among the most competitive grants offered by the science agency and indicate that Dr. Tu is one of the most promising junior professors in his field. This is the first time a faculty member in our school has achieved this distinction. Dr. Greg Somers, associate professor, retired in January after 26 years of service. Dr. Somers was a biometrician and taught forest measurements in summer practicum and on campus. He also served for many years as associate dean for Academic Affairs. Our students hosted the 56th annual Southern Forestry Conclave on Auburn’s campus. There were 15 schools represented and about 250 participants. Auburn came in 7th overall, and ranked 1st in the technical events. Individual honors in the technical events go to Daniel Heath (1st in pole

By Dean Jim Shepard

classification), Travis Whatley (2nd in DBH Estimation), and James Robert Dearman (2nd in Dendrology). I was especially pleased at this outcome since, while it may be fun to win at pole climbing or crosscut sawing, employers will likely be more interested in our students’ technical skills. Our student chapter of The Wildlife Society sent 18 members to the 2013 Southeastern Wildlife Student Conclave in North Carolina. Team Auburn scored 11th out of 22 schools and came in 3rd, 5th, and 8th place in the physical, art, and team competitions, respectively. Timothy Butler won first place in archery and game calling (turkey). As always, I would love to hear from you about how our school may better serve the needs of the forestry profession. You can reach me at (334) 844-1004 or jshepard@auburn.edu. ▲ 7

Economic Injury from Gulf to Forest An Overview of the Oil Spill Claims Process for Landowners and Forest Products Businesses By Warren Flick, Banks Ladd, and Gina McKellar

n April 20, 2010, the Deep Water Horizon oil rig exploded killing eleven men and releasing 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico before the well was capped 87 days later. Oil washed up on Gulf beaches, miles of floating booms covered the coast line, deepwater plumes of oil formed in the Gulf of Mexico, oil-laden sediment rained down on the Gulf floor, resident and migratory wildlife were injured, as were plants in and out of the water. Scientists expect the effects of the spill to persist in time, yet the precise path and duration of damage is unknown.

U.S. Coast Guard fire boats battle the blazing remnants of the offshore oil rig Deepwater Horizon on April 21, 2010. The resulting oil spill caused billions of dollars in damage. (AP Photo/US Coast Guard, File)

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Indirect Economic Effects Just as oil damage flows through an ecosystem, economic damage also ripples through a region. Managers lay off workers, order fewer inputs, and hunker down. The businesses supplying those firms directly affected also slow, and business and personal incomes decline. People spend less on everything from automobiles to groceries to dentistry to movies. In the late 1970s when one of the authors started work at Auburn University, he undertook a study of the economic contribution of forestry to Alabama. The study documented that forest-related industry had become the largest in the state, and that it had large economic multipliers. Members of the forest industry were proud of the contribution of their industry, as well as its indirect effects. Yet most Alabamians were unaware of the indirect benefits they enjoyed from the growth of the forest industry. Such benefits were hard to see. The same ideas apply to damage. When an industry suffers a catastrophe like the Deepwater Horizon incident, the ill effects multiply through the economy. Yet thousands of people remain unaware, even though they may have been affected.

The Legal Process BP was no doubt immediately aware that it would have to compensate those injured. For some, the injury is easily identified. The indirect effects, however, are notoriously difficult to precisely determine. A process that approximately identifies them is often the most efficient way of assessing damage, and that is what is being used in BP’s case. A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

On May 3, 2012, BP entered into a settlement agreement to pay reasonable damages incidental to the explosion and oil spill. The agreement defines classes of claimants and spells out formulae that estimate damages. The claimants include individuals and business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and others. Tree farmers, loggers, truckers, and manufacturers are among the eligible claimants. All of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, as well as parts of Florida and Texas, are qualified locations. Sources in the industry tell the authors that most of the large enterprises are aware of their eligibility, and many have filed claims. However, many agricultural and forest landowners and smaller forest-related businesses seem unaware of the claims process or their potential eligibility. The BP settlement agreement provides a well-defined process for determining eligibility. The settlement agreement along with supporting documents runs to hundreds of pages of difficult reading. A land or business owner is probably well-advised to consult a law firm offering experience with the claims process. These attorneys can quickly determine an individual’s or business’s eligibility, provided the business has regular accounting records. The settlement agreement favors a “fluctuating” or “inconsistent” revenue stream. Accountants or lawyers can compare particular revenues before, during, and after the 2010 spill to see if a loss occurred. Generally, if revenues declined by 15% for any consecutive three-month period between May 1, 2010, and December 31, 2010, as compared to a similar period in preceding years, and if the revenues then rebounded in 2011, the claimant is eligible for an award. The Graphic courtesy Banks Ladd

Damage spread through the economy as well. The most affected industries include seafood, recreation, energy development, real estate, and construction, among others. Tourists canceled reservations, developers canceled construction projects, energy permitting stopped, seafood demand slowed, and real estate sales dropped.

amount of an award depends on a claimant’s revenue numbers. For example, a tree farmer who sold timber in August of 2009, and again in September of 2010, may have a claim even if the 2010 sale was larger. That’s because the claim may be organized around the June through August period, in which case the landowner shows income in 2009 but not 2010. If he has another sale in June, July, or August 2011, he may well have a successful claim. Most lawyers pursuing BP claims will agree to evaluate whether you have a claim free of charge.

Conclusions One of the consequences of a process like the above is that some people will be compensated a great deal more than others even though the observable effects of the spill on each are similar. In other words, the process may not coincide with everyone’s definition of fairness. In aggregate, however, the process offers rough justice. BP agreed to the process. It gains relative efficiency in claims adjudication – legal actions with unknown final damages will not grind on interminably. When the claims process ends in early 2014, BP will know its total liability from private economic claims. The awards will cascade through the economy and boost the entire five-state region in a reasonable approximation to the injuries suffered. Individual claimants who receive awards will be able to use the money in any way they want, from improving their families’ prospects to contributing to charities. The explosion and spill was real, and the injuries are real too. Fortunately, there is a negotiated process in place for private parties to make claims at little to no cost to themselves. ▲

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Threatening or

By Jim Noles

or some, the irony buzzes as loudly as an angry diamondback’s rattle in a bed of dry oak leaves. The same snake that graces the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag of yesteryear’s American revolutionaries – the eastern diamondback – now coils at the center of a brewing controversy.

Threatened?

At issue is whether the rattlesnake should be listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. If listed, the snake would join 1436 other animals, fishes, and plants in the United States listed as threatened or endangered. At the present time, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is considering such a listing, perhaps pressured by a formal “Notice of Intent to Sue for Failure to Issue a 12-Month Finding” letter filed by the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity sent on January 29, 2013. Some see such a listing by FWS as the only hope of reversing what they believe to be an ongoing decline in the number of eastern diamondback rattlesnakes in the Southeastern United States. Others see it as an unnecessary and unwarranted intrusion by the federal government, egged on by out-of-state environ-

mental activists, that threatens their efforts to make an honest living amid the pine forests of the American Southeast. To quote legendary Washington, D.C., bureaucrat Rufus Miles, “where you stand depends upon where you sit.”

Does “Miles’s Law” Apply to This Snake? Rufus Miles coined that phrase during his tenure of service as an assistant secretary in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in the 1950s and 1960s. In the years since, the phrase has become known as “Miles’s Law” and it certainly seems applicable to the question of the rattlesnake. Collette Adkins Giese sits firmly in the camp of those who want to see the snake listed as a federally threatened species. She is the Center for Biological Diversity’s

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staff attorney for reptile and amphibian matters. “The Southeast is blessed with a rich natural heritage of animals and plants,” Adkins Giese observed in one of the Center’s press releases from earlier this year. “All of these species – even the rattlesnakes – should be allowed to exist.” On the other end of the spectrum sits Chris Isaacson, the executive vice president of the Alabama Forestry Association. In Alabama, some 70% of the state is forested, with almost 150,000 Alabamians directly or indirectly employed in the forest products industry. In Alabama, the AFA works to promote and protect the forest that provides so many Alabamians their livelihoods. “There are a number of problems with this proposal,” Isaacson explains.

Science Is Suspect “First, the scientific basis for the proposed listing is suspect,” he says. “We don’t think the snake’s population is in decline, particularly here in Alabama.”

Species Act than simply listing species “Let me give you an example,” he and moving on to the next species.” offers. “Supporters of this listing argue “The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is that the fact that there are fewer ratdoing the best they can with the resources tlesnakes being brought in for annual ratit has,” Isaacson says. “Let’s let them hantlesnake roundups in places like Opp, Aladle the tasks on their plate right now bama, shows that the snake’s population before forcing them to take on additional is declining – when, in reality, the rodeo responsibilities.” organizers are simply choosing to bring in “Finally, we all need to realize that fewer snakes!” these listings come with costs,” he con“Second,” Isaacson adds, “we don’t cludes. “Anyone who thinks that having a think the snake’s habitat is decreasing. In threatened or fact, we know that, in endangered species Alabama, forest land on a landowner’s is increasing – to property is not include the diamondgoing to potenback’s natural habitat tially impact his of longleaf pine.” or her use of that “Third, the federal property is just government should flat-out wrong.” not list this species Bill Satterfield, when it isn’t even a former Deputy meeting its obligaSolicitor of the tions for monitoring Graphic © Javan Bauder, Orianne Society U.S. Department all of the other of the Interior currently serving Of Counspecies that are already listed,” he continsel with the law firm Balch & Bingham, ues. “There is more to the Endangered agrees with Isaacson’s concerns. “The obvious impact is that the Endangered Species Act prohibits you from “taking” an endangered or threatened species,” Satterfield explains. “And by taking, I mean actions ranging from killing an animal to simply harassing it.”

Critical Habitat Is the Crux of the Matter “A more subtle concern arises from the requirement that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is required to designate what is called “critical habitat” for any listed threatened or endangered species,” Satterfield continues. “Critical habitat is a geographic area that FWS determines to be essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species.”

Isolated snake © Bigstockphoto.com; coiled snake © James Henderson, Golden Delight Honey, Bugwood.org

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Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake “The strange thing about critical habitat is that the geography doesn’t even need to be currently occupied by the relevant species,” Satterfield warns. “It simply needs to be an area that, in FWS’ opinion, will be needed for the species’ recovery.” “Once critical habitat is designated, a federal agency must consult with FWS any time that agency proposes to carry out, fund, or otherwise authorize an activity within the area designated as critical habitat,” he says. “In the real world, the burdens of consulting with FWS get shifted to the permit applicant or the party seeking federal funding,” Satterfield explains, “and, if the consultation does not lead to results that FWS deems acceptable, it can be a dealkiller for a project. “People should think in those terms when they think of species listings,” Satterfield concludes. “They should think in

terms of how difficult it is going to be for a highway project through critical habitat to be federally funded, or how difficult it will be for a new rail yard or barge facility to receive a wetlands permit for its construction in critical habitat.” The adverse impact of a critical habitat designation on broader economic development issues in Alabama further concerns Satterfield. “When it comes to economic development, the decision about where to locate a project often comes down to a few fine points,” he observes. “If all other things are equal, and one state’s site lies within a species’ critical habitat and another state’s does not, I’m pretty sure which site will be selected.” In the meantime, the controversy regarding the potential list-

ing continues. As of this article’s press time, USFWS continues to consider the listing of the snake under the shadow of the Center for Biological Diversity’s threatened lawsuit. Whether the eastern diamondback will join the ranks of the red-cockaded woodpecker, the gopher tortoise, and the indigo snake remains to be seen. Meanwhile, just watch where you sit. ▲

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Old Foresters Never Die, They Just Cruise Away By Ray Clifton

t is an act of faith – like old Abraham, I believe in something I will not live to see fulfilled. Mine is not blind faith. I have seen plenty of evidence to fortify my belief. One of the few benefits of becoming an old forester is that I have been around long enough to see some of the trees that I planted grow up like children. Seedlings that once fit in bundles of five or six in my hand grew tall in the Alabama sun, silent witnesses to sun and night sky, rainfall and drought. Migrations of twittering neo-tropical birds sat in their branches, while men and woodland creatures passed by on the ground. They stood strong in their appointed time, swaying along through gentle breezes and violent storms through the rhythmic cycle of seasons. I often note these places in my travels – little swathes of ground on which I made my mark. Seedlings I once tended have grown tall enough to be thinned once for pulpwood (allowing the strongest to grow faster) and then eventually clearcut. Processed by men with big machines, they were hauledaway to be processed and sent out to the world for needful things – lumber, paper, and thousands of other products we often overlook. Dispersed to every cor-

ner of the world, they serve their appointed purpose. Perhaps even now they are anonymous framework in the walls of your home, or hidden as the pages of your favorite book. You might encounter their essence in an even more personal way, as you reach for that roll that hangs on your bathroom wall. The places my trees have gone – the things they have “seen.” This winter I planted seedlings yet again. I make a new statement of faith, a rededication of belief, a new living monument on my own little patch of ground. This act is done with full recognition that the cycle of life for trees in the South is not that different from the lives of people. Both squat here in the dirt for a generation, making the most of where we are planted and the resources at our disposal, and then move on. Hopefully we make an impact – become useful to someone or in some way that lasts beyond the brevity of stay. My latest seedlings are different than those before. They are longleaf pine – long-lived creatures as southern tree species go – and they will likely stand tall on my little corner of the earth long after I am under the dirt. They will take their time, and I am content to let them. And if my faith is rewarded, somewhere down this winding road of rebirth and renewal, a grandchild may walk among these pines and pause for a moment to reflect that “Pops planted these trees.” ▲

Photos © Seedling: David Stephens, Bugwood.org; background longleaf: USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station Archive, USDA Forest Service, SRS, Bugwood.org

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Rural Criminals Beware, There’s a New Cop on the Beat!

As part of the new law to consolidate the myriad law enforcement agencies across the state, a new crime-fighting unit has been formed to deal specifically with rural crimes. The Agriculture Rural Crimes Unit (ARCU) will be led by Lt. Gene Wiggins, a veteran Alabama State Trooper who was chosen because of his extensive law enforcement training and passion for rural Alabama. Wiggins said that Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and Spencer Collier, secretary of the newly consolidated Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, will announce creation of the ARCU in mid-June. Wiggins and Collier both insist that the new unit will not supplant the sheriff’s departments and local police in rural areas, but will work to enhance and reinforce their efforts to stop rural crime. Wiggins also noted that the new unit will not interfere with the work of the law enforcement arm of the Alabama Forestry Commission, although the police officers there working under Chief Craig Hill will be brought under a soon to be formed State Bureau of Investigation once the new bureau is set up in 2015. Until then, Wiggins said he expects the forestry law enforcement officers will continue their jobs working arson, timber and forestry equipment theft and other such cases in the rural areas of the state. Wiggins noted that he has seven people in his unit to help support and enhance already existing local law enforcement efforts. The difference will be that, as local enforcement agencies investigate all manner of crimes within their communities, Wiggins unit will zero in specifically on rural crimes. In the particular case of forestry-related crimes, Wiggins said he would expect the AFC’s law enforcement officers to continue to take the lead because “they have the expertise to deal with timber and forestry equipment theft and things like that. “Until 2015, they will stay where they are now,” Wiggins said. “But in the interim, if Craig Hill calls and needs help, we’re going to help them.” ▲

Gene Wiggins, center, talks with Alabama Loggers Council Executive Director Ray Clifton (left) and AFA Communication’s Director Sam Duvall at a recent meeting at the Alabama Farmers Federation office located at Alfa Insurance in Montgomery. Alfa hosted the meeting so that associations with rural constituencies could meet Wiggins and learn more about his plans for the new rural crime unit he will be leading.

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NEWS & VIEWS Alabama Tree Farm Committee State Chairman Paul Hudgins (334) 376-9114 State Coordinator Chris Erwin (334) 481-2133 Black Belt District Bart Adams (334) 410-0608 Capital District Rick Oates (334) 613-4305 Delta District Paul Hudgins (334) 376-9114 Longleaf District Mike Older (334) 222-0379 Mountain District Todd Langston (256) 434-4712 Piedmont District Bruce Eason (334) 864-9357 Valley District Karen Boyd (256) 637-7223 Vulcan District Jason Dockery (256) 734-0573 Warrior District Tim Browning (205) 367-8232 Wiregrass District Heather Wierzbicki (334) 855-5394

Northern Vice Chairman Tim Browning (205) 367-8232 Southern Vice Chairman Heather Wierzbicki (334) 855-5394 At Large Directors: Tim Albritton (334) 887-4560 John Boutwell (334) 365-9221 Tom Carignan (334) 361-7677 Lamar & Felicia Dewberry (256) 396-0555 Don East (256) 396-2694 Chris Isaacson (334) 265-8733 Doug Link (251) 564-6281 Salem & Dianne Saloom (251) 867-6464 Charles Simon (334) 222-1125 Jim Solvason (334) 372-3360 Carolyn Stubbs (334) 821-0374 Allen Varner (334) 240-9308

From My Neck of the Woods…

aul Hudgins normally fills this space with his views on the Tree Farm program but is tied up in the woods this week, not battling wildfires, but preventing future wildfires by educating the next generation of decision makers. For 18 years, Paul and the Butler County Forestry Planning Committee have hosted approximately thirty seventh grade students at the Mussel Creek Lodge just outside of Greenville for three days of unplugging from technology and connecting to nature. Activities include orienteering, tree identification, tracking and trapping, soils and water, hunter safety, archery, and firearms. Many members of the Tree Farm Committee like Paul have dedicated their time over the years educating students about the benefits forests have to Alabama’s environment and economy. The Tree Farm Committee recently sponsored the Project Learning Tree International Coordinators Conference held in Point Clear, Alabama. This event provided professional development for those that train teachers the skill of environmental education. Project Learning Tree (PLT), a PreK-12th grade environmental education program, is sponsored by the American

Above: Twenty-seven students participate in a water quality activity at the Butler County Forestry Planning Committee’s 18th Annual Natural Resources Youth Camp. A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Forest Foundation, the same sponsor of the American Tree Farm System. Approximately 25,000 educators annually attend a PLT workshop to learn how to educate students about environmental subjects and issues. This network of educators has reached over 20 million students worldwide. PLT prides itself in teaching students how to think and not what to think about environmental issues. I was fortunate to be asked by Paul to participate in their program and lead a Project Learning Tree activity on tree identification. I have a great deal of admiration for Paul and all of those in the forestry community that are contributing towards educating students about the value of our environment. I am hopeful our community will continue to make this a priority. ▲

To learn more about getting Project Learning Tree in your school: cerwin@alaforestry.org or 334-481-2133

By Chris Erwin Alabama Tree Farm State Coordinator

Solon & Martha Dixon Learning Center Dedicated By Doug Link, At Large Director

n Wednesday, April 10, 2013 the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences dedicated the new Solon and Martha Dixon Learning Center. This new facility joins other education and dorm buildings at what the forestry community commonly refers to as the Dixon Center. This education facility is located in Covington County, Alabama in the Dixie community south and west of Andalusia. The architecture of this excellent structure was designed to blend in with the existing structures utilized by the forestry and wildlife programs at Auburn University. It has been the dream for some time by those in Auburn forestry to construct such a facility to enhance the educational opportunities and outreach of the Dixon Center by increasing and improving the teaching capacity, as well as allowing for greater use by natural resource and other groups on this school forest and outdoor forest laboratory. Unfortunately, many in Alabama do not realize the Dixon Center exists. The 5,300 acre Dixon forest was the gift of Solon and Martha Dixon, a well-known and respected lumber manufacturing family business in

1 Alabama for many years. The gift of this forest has given the Auburn School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences a wonderful outdoor classroom and forest and natural resource research laboratory for students and faculty as well. The entire forest and learning center has provided many of the forestry and natural resource community, like me, numerous opportunities for continuing education and other activities over the years. I have personally had the privilege of viewing and receiving instruction on some of the many research activities being conducted on this vast outdoor laboratory. The center is also the home of the Longleaf Alliance, dedicated to improving and bringing back the longleaf pine ecosystem across the South. A number of the forestry schools in the U.S. today are not as fortunate as Auburn to be able to host both the forestry and wildlife practicums each summer because they do not have a facility like this. All of the Auburn friends and family owe the Dixon family a debt of gratitude for their foresight in providing the Dixon Forest Education Center for all Alabamians. â&#x2013;˛

1 Covered porch/deck overlooking the natural woodlands at the back of the new learning center with porch rockers. A former forestry student expressed to me that when he was down here in forestry camp, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough time to sit and rock.

2 The new Solon and Martha Dixon Learning Center 3 Recognition signs at the entrance leading into the Dixon Center. 4 Gathered for participation in the dedication ceremony are left to right members of the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation Board, Phillip Jones, Louisa Mann-Baker, Frank Trippy McGuire, Doris Tyler, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Dean Dr. James Shepard, Provost of Auburn University Dr. Timothy Boosinger. 5 The new comfortable auditorium with amphitheatre seating, overhead projection and other teaching amenities. For their many dedicated years of service to Auburn forestry, the auditorium was named the Rhett Johnson, Dean Gjerstadt Auditorium. The auditorium is paneled in longleaf pine. 16

A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Longleaf Pine Pinus palustris Mill

Planting g Density y Fact Sheet Purpose Pu rpose The The purpose p u rp o se o off this this fact fact sheet sheet is is to to provide provide a general g e n e ra l ov overview erview of the the advantages advantages and di disadvantages sadvantages of di fferent planting planting dens ities. S pacing vvaries aries gr eatly different densities. Spacing greatly dependi ng on tthe he llandownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s andownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s o bjectives a nd so d o depending objectives and do the benefits benefits and and o utcomes fr om th ed ensity o e the outcomes from the density off th the s tand. stand.

Objectives O bjjectives Longl Longleaf eaf pi pine ne iis s pl planted achieve many different anted tto o ac hieve m any di fferent objectives objectives and of often ten mu multiple objectives are desired. ltip le o b je c tiv e s a re d e s ir e d . Objectives Objectives rrange ange ffrom quality rom wildlife wildlife habitat, h a b ita t, q uality ttimber, im b e r , pi pine ne sstraw traw pr production, oduction, rrestoration estoration of tthe he llongleaf ongleaf ecosystem, silvopasture, silvopasture, and more. more. ecosystem,

Density Density The The spacing spacing between between rows rows and and the the spacing spacing between b e tw e e n trees trees in in the the row row will w ill u ultimately determine density. ltimately d etermine d ensity. Be Below low are are so some me co common spacing combinations: mmon ttree ree sp acing co m b in a tio n s :

In In row row

Row spacing spacing

T rees/ac Trees/ac

10 10 8 8 6 8 6 6

12 10 12 10 12 8 10 8

363 436 454 545 605 681 726 907

!" !"#$%#&'()"#*+",-#.(-%"&,&/(,*(#**#&',01(23"(13&/1#02(),&#(( #$%#&'()"#*+",-#.(-%"&,&/(,*(#**#&',01(23"(13&/1#02(),&#(( 40 40&0/#4#&'(0&.(/"3%&.(+35#"("#*'3"0',3&6 &0/#4#&'(0&.(/"3%&.(+35#"("#*'3"0',3&6

Row Spacing Ro wS p a c in g o n s id e r a tio n After determining optimal density, Af te r d etermining o p tim a l d ensity, cconsideration mu st b eg iven tto op r o v id in g a ccess tto oe quipment must be given providing access equipment fo ture m anagem ent a nd harvest. harvest. Sp ace forr fu future management and Space bet ween rrows ows sshould hould pr ovide llong-term ong-te term access access between provide fo aintenance e quipment ssuch uch a s tr actors w ith forr m maintenance equipment as tractors with mo w e rs a nd h arvesting equipment equipment ffor or future future mowers and harvesting th innings. Di scuss rrow ow wi dth wi th yyour our llocal ocal thinnings. Discuss width with fo rester(s). forester(s). Su rvival It is is important important to note note that that longleaf lo n g le a f Survival su r v iv a l h as ttypically ypically b een llow, ow, e specially o n survival has been especially on agricultural ssites ites wh ere ccompetition ompetition ffrom ro m g ra s s agricultural where grass is h eavy. heavy.

7#*'3"#.(13&/1#02(),&#(23"#*'*()"35,.#(80-,'0'(23"(40&9(( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( (( &0',5#()10&'*(0&.(0&,401*(0&.(3))3"'%&,',#*(23"(:,1.1,2#(( ( ( ( ( ( ( 0**3+,0'#.("#+"#0',3&6( ( (

(

Recommendations A planting density of 400 to 600 trees per acre is appropriate for multiple resource objectives (timber and wildlife). When wildlife habitat is the primary objective, planting

at lower densities of 400-500 seedlings per acre is an option. When timber and/or pine straw production are the primary objectives, planting at higher densities of 500-900 seedlings per acre is appropriate.

Wide Planting Advantages

Disadvantages

Savanna appearance is pleasing to many

Greater need for controlling invading brush and trees

Potential for extending wildlife habitat value in the early years of stand development

Reduced income potential from thinning

Higher potential for silvopasture or woodland grazing

Seedling mortality may result in plantation failure, little margin for error reduced potential for high value timber products such as poles Reduced potential for pine straw production Fewer future management options

Close Planting Less need for controlling invading brush and trees for a short time during management cycle

Not as aesthetically pleasing to many compared to a savanna

Increased income potential from thinning

Need for management (thinning) to maintain optimum habitat

Increased value of timber products such as poles Increased potential for pine straw production

Less potential for silvopasture or woods grazing

Hedge against unexpected seedling mortality

(

Provides maximum management options in meeting multiple resource objectives

( For ( more information about Forest and Wildlife Management see: http://sref.info/. Click on your state and then Forestry and Wildlife Extension, Publications. Also see: Longleaf Partnership Council White Paper, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Longleaf Pine Planting Density,â&#x20AC;? February 2013.

A CONTINUING SERIES

What It Means to Be a Tree Farmer

Management Plans hen a landowner signs the paperwork to enroll into the American Tree Farm System, he acknowledges that his forest management philosophy agrees with the American Forest Foundation Standards of Sustainability. We have discussed a few of those standards here in previous issues, such as addressing invasive species and implementing best management practices for water quality. The first performance measure, and arguably the most important, in the Tree Farm standard is “the forest owner must have and implement a written forest management plan.” As my former boss John McMillan once told me, “A budget is a guidepost, not a hitching post.” This philosophy applies to management plans as well. Your plan in a nutshell is your inventory of what you have, your idea of what you want, and guideposts for how you plan to get there. What guideposts you put into it and how much description you give each post is entirely up to you. The Tree Farm standards however require some minimum guideposts be

included in your plan. If you want to be a certified Tree Farmer and meet the criteria for the standard, your plan must address the following: forest health, soils, water, wood and fiber production, threatened and endangered species, special sites, invasive species, integrated pest management, and high conservation value forests. The depth to which you acknowledge, describe and manage for these items in your plan is up to you. However, it is important that at a minimum, you at least

acknowledge all of these items. Even if they don’t exist on your property, your plan should include a statement such as: “There are no special sites on this property.” There are many tools available to you for free that can help you get your management plan up to date. Visit www.mylandplan.org for more information on updating your plan and tools that will help you keep your plan current. ▲ By Chris Erwin, Alabama Tree Farm State Coordinator

Foresters & loggers,

come out of the rain & study awhile… www.alaforestry.org/ce for online education

A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Alabama Tree Farm Committee

Management Planning Workshops

he Alabama Tree Farm Committee, in cooperation with the Alabama Forestry Commission, will be hosting Management Planning Workshops for certified tree farmers, landowners interested in forest certification, and tree farm inspectors around the state. These workshops are focused on defining the minimum management plan requirements for Tree Farm certification and the National Stewardship Program. All participants will receive a free copy of the Managing Forests book and lunch will be provided compliments of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Alabama Implementation Committee. Forestry CFEs and PLM credits are available.

AGENDA Registration

8:30-9:00

Welcome & Introductions

9:00-9:15

Tree Farm Management Plan Requirements

9:15-9:50

2010-2015 Tree Farm Standard Review and Forest Management Requirements BREAK

9:50-10:00

Tree Farm System Tools

The following workshops are planned: Monroeville Extension Complex

July 17, 2013

Wetumpka AFC & Fire Association Building Tuscaloosa Extension Office Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Decatur

August 21, 2013

September 11, 2013 October 16, 2013

Contact:

10:00-11:00

Tree Farm Management Plan Template Tree Farm Management Plan Addendum MyLandPlan.org BREAK Stewardship Plan Writer

11:10-11:10 11:10-12:00

LUNCH

12:00-12:30

Preregistration required either online at www.alaforestry.org

Farm Bill Opportunities

12:30-1:30

Liz Chambers Alabama Forestry Association 555 Alabama Street Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 481-2127 office

A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

The Last Word on Project Learning Tree

RCS State Staff Forester Tim Albritton recognizes Robert Parker with his 25 year anniversary Tree Farm sign.

New 50 Year Anniversary Tree Farms James Cravey – Covington County Janet Feagin – Conecuh and E.G. Henderson – Marengo County Covington Counties Bob Tiffin – Franklin County C.B. McGahey – Fayette County Walter Meigs – Bibb County Rita Ware – Washington County Calvin Poole – Butler County Eric Ellis – Cherokee County Frank Dunlap – Coosa County New 25 Year Anniversary Tree Farms Auburn University SOFWS, Mary Olive William Snyder – Monroe County Thomas Tract – Lee County Stallworth Timber Company – William Sellers – Montgomery Co. Monroe County Roland Powell – Coffee County Robert Prater – Lamar County Robert Pittman – Macon County Anne Prater – Pickens County Sahlie Family Partnership – Elmore Co. John Andrews _ Conecuh County C. Nicholson – Coffee County Dan Sheppard – Escambia County Paul Till – Coffee County Harold Dunn – Macon County Henrietta Till – Coffee County Sullivan Lumber Company – Pickens Mary Mattair – Covington County County Paula Smith – Barbour County Norvelle Weekley – Baldwin County Don White – Clarke County Willis Meriwether – Tuscaloosa County Darrell Estes – Monroe County Earl Silcox – Monroe County

Sirm Sullivan – Tuscaloosa County William Freeman – Lamar County David Stewart – Pike County Thompson Family Partnership – Chambers County

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s mentioned before the Tree Farm Committee sponsored the 2013 PLT Coordinators Conference in Point Clear. Approximately 150 environmental educators from the U.S., Mexico, and Japan learned about the forest products industry by touring the Port of Mobile and discovered the incredible diversity of Alabama by visiting Weeks Bay Preserve, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. The program was well received by all and many participants were stunned at the beauty of Alabama and commented they would be bringing their families back to vacation. Project Learning Tree is sponsored in Alabama by the Alabama Forestry Association. It reaches approximately 400 teachers each year through the Teachers Conservation Workshops, the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative, in-service workshops at schools and pre-service workshops at colleges of education. We have some tools available to Tree Farmers that wish to get engaged with PLT. First, we try to always provide a sample PLT activity page in this section of the magazine for your children. We also have a handbook to help you design a program for students on your Tree Farm. The Walk in the Forest Handbook was written by Project Learning Tree and the Society of American Foresters. This handbook is free to download at our website www.alaforestry.org/treefarm. ▲ Project Learning Tree received a grant from the Albert I. Pierce Foundation to purchase digital cameras and provide professional nature photography lessons to the fifth grade students at Orange Beach Elementary. The students took photographs, printed and matted the photos, and in turn sold them to the conference participants to raise money for the school. Pictured is a sample of the photos taken by the fifth grade students at Orange Beach Elementary.

Students from Orange Beach Elementary guide PLT conference participants on a tour of the adjacent Sea, Sand and Stars Nature Center boardwalk that cuts through a slash pine forest with pitcher plants underneath. The nature center houses salt water tanks, boardwalks and pavilions, planetarium and weather stations allowing students incredible opportunities to learn about marine, coastal and forest environments.

Log a Load Kicked into High Gear in May

May was, by far, the busiest month for the Log a Load for Kids program, with five events (three in one week). April was to have been pretty busy also, but one event had to be canceled. Still, on April 20 the Piedmont District held its 1st Annual Log a Load Turkey Shoot at the Oaks in LaFayette and raised an estimated $28,000! Congratulations to event chair and primary event host Kimberly Fuller for going above and beyond the call of duty in her first effort to run a major Log a Load event. Kimberly took over from the maestro, Janet Ison! Way to go, Kimberly! May 3rd saw Shannon White putting on his annual Piedmont District sporting clays event at Selwood Farms. The event was very well attended and Shannon turned in over $11,000 the event raised for the kids! On May 13 the Wiregrass District held its golf event at the Troy Country Club in Troy, Ala. The event participants had a great time with weather that was perfect for a round of golf. On May 18th, Angie Sherrill held her Annual Wiregrass Trail Ride near Abbeville on the beautiful property of Henry County Sheriff William Maddox. There were scores of riders there and all of them seemed to have had a blast.

ALC Director Ray Clifton blasts another pesky skeet at Selwood event for the Piedmont District.

Chips Center Director Deb Schneider (left) stands by Jeff Gossett and Kim Warren, who make sure the annual Piedmont tournament comes off without a hitch!

Pictured here blasting away with her long-barreled 12-gauge at the 1st Annual Piedmont Turkey Shoot is Mindy Stone, a young woman who had her back broken in an accident. Mindy won at least one round of shooting at the event.

The top two shooters who tied for first place at the Selwood sporting clays event were (left) Josh â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tinyâ&#x20AC;? Aldridge and Bob Carlton.

Josh Aldridge almost always places first or right next to it in the sporting clay events he loves to participate in. The fact that Tiny has only one arm has very little effect on the way he shoots!

Dell Hill, owner-operator of Selwood Farms explains how new equipment he had installed on his sporting clays range works, while Shannon White, the Selwood event organizer listens.

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Log a Load Next came the Capital District Golf Tournament on May 21, hosted by Terry Bussey at Lagoon Park in Montgomery. Terry had very good attendance with more teams this year than participated last year. Janet Ison brought granddaughter, Bailea Boone with her. Bailea proceeded to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps, selling tickets for one of the events, which tickled Janet to death! Following the Capital District event was the annual Delta District Golf Tournament on May 23 at the Deerfield course at Chatom. The family and friends of Chuck Reynolds did a great job this year, as they always do, and put on a great event. Chuck was unable to attend because wife Peggy had been ill and was about to be sent home from the hospital in Mobile. We hope that Peggy is back on her feet and doing well. After Delta, Jeff Gossett and his helpers put on a great golf event on June 12 at the Greystone Legacy Course near Birmingham. Jeff said he believes the event will do at least twice as well as last year in terms of participants and funds raised. Great job guys!

Scores of riders participated in Angie Sherrill’s annual trail ride event near Abbeville.

Glenn Sansing ’splains the rules of the road to players at the Delta District Golf Tournament in Chatom.

This year’s Wiregrass Trail Ride took place on the beautiful property of Henry County Sheriff William Maddox.

Children’s Hospital Representative Angie Sherrill (left) sits at the Hole in One hole at the Wiregrass golf event in Troy. Sitting next to Angie is former Children’s Hospital patient Halee Deal and Halee’s mother Kayla Deal.

Mark Byal gets into the ball at the Wiregrass golf tournament in Troy. 24

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More to Come! So far, most of the events in 2013 have been very well attended, fantastic events! But we still have several events to go before we close out the books on 2013. These include: > August 10. Black Belt District. A golf event is now in the works for Black belt that will probably take place in Bibb County. Once more details are available, we will share them with you. > September 20. Mountain District golf tournament at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes. This will be a 4person scramble. > November 8. Warrior District will hold annual event at Westervelt Lodge at Aliceville.

State Log a Load Chair Janet Ison counts the money that granddaughter Bailea Boone raised at the Capital District Golf Tournament.

State Log a Load Chair Janet Ison (left) accepts a donation from Deborah White for the John Deere Gator which Log a Load is giving away as a prize this year. Deborah’s partner for the event is Rhonda Hogg.

Even More to Come! NOTE: We believe there will be at least three additional events in 2013: We expect that once again Capital District will hold a Log a Load sporting clays event at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club as the District did the past two years. In addition, Janet has been told that the Henry County Dove Hunt that took place last year will be repeated this year. Janet has also been told that Richard Quina will also have his annual golf tournament later in the fall. Still, with just six more likely events before we close out the 2013 fund-raising year in December, we need you to please pitch in and help make 2013 a great success for the kids! ▲

Children’s Hospital Representatives Alice Blake and Emily Hornak attend to the awards at the Capital District event in Montgomery.

If you need additional information, or have information about future events, contact State Log a Load Chair Janet Ison at 334-757-8282 or tbison61@yahoo.com or Sam Duvall at sduvall@alaforestry.org.

International Forest Company

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A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Standing under their banner are the Children’s and Women’s Hospital crew, left to right, Cassandra Odom, Nancy Calhoun, Beth Mattei, and Owen Bailey.

T.R. CLARK T.R. LaFayette, AL 334.864.9542

Top Quality Container Seedlings

Celebrating 30 Years of Container Seedling Production Longleaf, Loblolly, Slash, & Shortleaf Performance Rated Survival Enhanced

Moultrie, Georgia 800-633-4506 www.interforestry.com

Forestry News & Views German Pellets to Build Second US Pellet Plant

Agribusiness Leaders Elected to Alabama Ag Credit Board of Directors

Production of about 1 million tonnes of wood pellets per year in Louisiana / Construction to begin in April / Commissioning in spring of 2014

MONTGOMERY — Two members of Alabama Ag Credit’s Board of Directors were re-elected during the Stockholder’s Gibson Ramsay Barrett Annual Meeting. Larry H. Gibson, Jr. of Aliceville, Alabama along with Lyman Ramsay, Jr. of Grand Bay, Alabama were both re-elected after the expiration of their three-year terms on the board. The board of directors is responsible for establishing policies, providing strategic direction, and overseeing all major institution functions. Following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors then elected agribusiness owner James L. “Jimmy” Bassett as chairman of the board. A resident of Downs, Alabama, Bassett is a full-time farmer of 18 years and operates approximately 2,400 acres in turf and timber in Bullock, Lee, and Macon counties. In addition, Bassett operates a nursery business. Prior to farming, he spent eight years as a commercial banker in Union Springs, Alabama. Bassett has served on the board since 2008. Also elected by the board was Gibson as vice chairman to the board. Gibson is president of Gibson Forest Management, a forestry consulting firm. He owns approximately 1,400 acres of timberland where timber and wildlife are the primary commodities. He also manages approximately 50,000 acres of timberland for clients in West Alabama and East Mississippi where he provides complete forest management services. Gibson has served on the board since 2010. ▲

WISMAR, April 2013 — German Pellets is further expanding its production capacities in North America. In Urania, a town in northern Louisiana, German Pellets will soon begin construction work on a new pellet production facility. The output will be about 1 million tonnes of wood pellets per year. Urania will be the German Pellets Group’s second North American site. In April a plant will open for production in Woodville, Texas. “Once again, we have chosen a site with well-established wood supplies and logistics,” said Peter Leibold, manager of the German Pellets Group. Until a few years ago Urania had been an important location for the wood-based panel industry. The US Company Georgia Pacific had produced particleboard and other products at this site. Supply infrastructure and other infrastructure, including a railway siding, are already in place. Construction on the new plant will begin soon. The decisive factor for the choice of location was the availability of raw materials in this densely forested region, where the annual timber increment is significantly higher than in Germany owing to the subtropical climate. ▲

Canfor to Buy Scotch–Gulf Lumber Company

anfor Corporation (TSX: CFP) announced today that it has entered into a phased purchase agreement with Scotch & Gulf Lumber, LLC. Headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, Scotch Gulf’s primary operations consist of three sawmills in Mobile, Fulton and Jackson, Alabama, producing Southern Pine dimension lumber products. With origins dating back 125 years, Scotch Gulf is one of the premier Southern Yellow Pine producers in the southern U.S. Reflecting planned near-term capital investments, the operation has a combined production capacity of 440 million board feet. The transaction involves the phased purchase by Canfor of Scotch Gulf over a three-year period, at an aggregate purchase price, excluding working capital, of $80 million. Canfor’s initial 26

25% interest will increase over the three year period to 50% after 18 months and 100% at the end of the term. “This agreement provides access to an exceptional fiber base and increases our Southern Pine production capacity to more than a billion board feet and will improve our ability to serve our valued US customers,” said Canfor President and CEO Don Kayne. “Scotch Gulf’s values and approach to the market are closely aligned with those of Canfor, and we are extremely pleased to have been given this opportunity to work with the Scotch Gulf management team to integrate that company’s operating assets and extensive history with our broader North American operations.” The transaction is subject to standard closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2013. ▲

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FRA Honors Nelson for Technical Writing WASHINGTON, DC — The Forest Resources Association conferred its 2013 Technical Writing Award on Terry Nelson, who works at International Paper’s Prattville, Alabama mill, at FRA’s April 19 Annual Awards Luncheon in Jacksonville, Florida. Nelson authored the finest Technical Release FRA published during the previous year. Nelson’s winning publication, Special Sleeve Prevents Cable Hook from Snagging, describes a simple, inexpensive innovation devised by International Paper’s Prattville, Alabama woodyard staff to prevent a cable hook from snagging on the top of a load during the log truck unbinding process. The innovation is to fit a sixinch section sliced from the top of a plastic traffic cone as a sleeve covering the cable’s hook and clamp. This device prevents the hook from snagging when the driver pulls the cable over the load.

Terry Nelson’s Technical Release Special Sleeve Prevents Cable Hook from Snagging won FRA’s 2013 National Technical Writing Award. Danny Waugh of International Paper accepted the award on Nelson’s behalf, remarking that “Terry wanted me to say that it really was a group effort,” and adding, “It really is ideas like this that help raise the bar.” Single copies of the winning publication are available at no charge from FRA at 202-296-3937. Requests should refer to stock number 12-R-16. ▲

A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

AFC Law Enforcement Adds Another Canine to Arson Dog Program

he Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is doggedly determined to stop arsonists in their tracks. To assist in finding wildland arson suspects in North Alabama, a second bloodhound has recently been purchased by the Alabama Forestry Commission. This action will give the agency more complete coverage across the entire state, according to AFC Law Enforcement Chief Craig Hill. “The decision to add another bloodhound was based on the successes of Blaze, our first arson dog,” said Hill. “Stationed in South Alabama, it is not practical – neither logistically nor economically – to use Blaze in North Alabama…it’s just too far to mobilize him to a woods arson crime scene in a timely manner.” The new bloodhound puppy, a liverand-tan colored female, has been named Ember by AFC employees. Chief Hill related, “We got her in March from Grant Mountain Bloodhounds located in Marshall County. At the time, she was about 8 weeks old and only weighed between 1015 pounds.” Ember and her handler, AFC Investigator Jamey Bozeman, are currently being trained to track human scent by Sleuth Hound, LLC of Madison County. The team should complete their training by December of this year, and then be nationally certified in scent discrimination by the International Bloodhound Training Institute. In the four years prior to the implementation of Blaze, an average of over 40 percent of all wildfires in Alabama was determined to be incendiary in nature, not only destroying natural resources, wildlife, and property, but also endangering human life. Since he went on duty in 2009, the average arson rate has dropped to approximately 31 percent. Blaze is credited with five arrests and/or confessions. He has also been utilized in three other criminal activ-

ities occurring on AFC property, as well as assisting in finding missing persons. State Forester Linda Casey said, “The great thing about our bloodhound program is that it has been funded totally through donations. All expenditures connected with the purchase, veterinary care, and training of these puppies are covered by contributions. We appreciate the organizations and individuals who support this program, especially Sunshine Mills, Inc. and Tractor Supply Co. for providing the food for our dogs. We initiated the arson dog program to reduce the unacceptable high number of woods arson cases in Alabama, and the statistics show that strategy is working. With the addition of this new puppy to our law enforcement team, we look forward to increasing our effectiveness even higher in deterring arsonists across our state.” The AFC provides an Arson/Forest Crimes Hotline so that citizens can call and report wildland arson, theft of timber, and vandalism or theft of harvesting equipment. The toll-free number is 1 (800) 222-2927. Any information provided is confidential and the caller remains anonymous. To learn more about the AFC, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov. ▲ 27

Forestr y News & V iews Schools Recognized with Green Ribbon Award by USDE

Walk in the Forest 2013: A Good Time on a Great Day!

our Alabama schools and one Alabama school district were recently recognized for their “green” activities with the Green Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education. According to the USDE’s release on the announcements, the schools and/or districts are given the ED-GRS (Education Department’s Green Ribbon Schools) award for their work to ensure sustainable, healthy school environments and effective environmental education. Alabama schools so honored included: Fayetteville High School, Sylacauga, Ala., Munford Middle School and Munford High School, Munford, Ala., Harriette W. Gwin Elementary School, Hoover, Ala., and Talladega County School District. ▲

Outstanding Logger of the Year

Shown holding a turkey wing and discussing birds with the children is Elizabeth Johnson.

FRA Chairman Tom Norris, left, congratulates members of 2013 National Outstanding Logger winners, Comstock Woodlands’ management team, (L to R) Brian Bouchard, Ralph Ouellette, Audrey Allen, Colie Spencer, and Jeff Bouchard. STIHL Inc. Senior Product Manager Kent Hall also congratulated Bouchard and presented him with a $1,000 check and a STIHL MS461 chain saw.

he Alabama Forestry Association, Montgomery Chapter of the Society of American Foresters and Project Learning Tree celebrated Earth Day by taking 350 first grade students from nearby Wetumpka and Redland Elementary Schools on a Walk in the Forest. The event was held at the Alabama Nature Center at the Alabama Wildlife Federation in Lanark. Using the Alabama Course of Study as a guide, organizers

teach the students about classification. First grade students rotated between This little girl just caught her nine learning stations covering soils and first fish at the fish pond at the water, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mamAlabama Wildlife Federation’s mals, and fish. Students were excited to Nature Center. spend a day in the woods and even more so to have hands-on experiences. The students caught fish, touched snakes, measured trees, felt animal skins, and watched a wild turkey strut. These are the types of early experiences that build an appreciation later in life of our natural resources. The association is grateful to all of our members for your support of our education programs and especially to our sponsors and partners, International Paper, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Alabama Division of the Society of American Foresters, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Carignan Forestry Consultants, Industree, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Sizemore and Sizemore, and Sterling Consulting. ▲

A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Green Gold Green Gold

$ODEDPDÂˇV )RUHVWV DQG )RUHVW ,QGXVWULHV Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forests and Forest Industries

James E. Fickle

By James E. Fickle

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Green Gold LV D WKRURXJK DQG YDOXDEOH FRPSLODWLRQ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ $ODEDPDÂśV WLPEHU and forest products industry, the largest manufacturing industry in the state. Alabama has the third-largest commercial forest in the nation, after only Georgia and Oregon. Fully two-WKLUGV RI WKH VWDWHÂśV ODQG VXSSRUWV WKH JURZWK RI RYHU ILIWHHQ ELOOLRQ trees on twenty-two million acres, which explains why Alabama looks entirely green from space. Green Gold SUHVHQWV WKH VWRU\ RI KXPDQ XVH RI DQG LPSDFW RQ $ODEDPDÂśV forests from pioneer days to the present, as James E. Fickle chronicles the history of the industry from unbridled greed and exploitation through virtual abandonment to revival, restoration, and enlightened stewardship. $V WKH VWDWHÂśV ODUJHVW PDQXIDFWXULQJ LQGXVWU\ IRUHVW SURGXFWV KDYH WUDGLWLRQDOO\ LQFOXGHG naval stores such as tar, pitch, and turpentine, especially in the southern longleaf stands; sawmill lumber, both hardwood and pine; and pulp and paper milling. Green Gold GRFXPHQWV DOO DVSHFWV RI WKH LQGXVWU\ LQFOXGLQJ WKH DGYHQW RI ÂłVFLHQWLILF IRUHVWU\Â´ DQG the development of reforestation practices with sustained yields. Also addressed are the historical impacts of Native Americans and of early settlers who used axes, saws, and water- and steam-powered sawmills to clear and utilize forests. Along with an account of railroad logging and the big mills of the lumber bonanza days of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the book also chronicles the arrival of professional IRUHVWHUV WR WKH VWDWH ZKR EHJDQ WR GHDO ZLWK WKH GHYDVWDWLQJ OHJDF\ RI ÂłFXW RXW DQG JHW e RXWÂ´ ORJJLQJ DQG WR ILJKW WKH SHUHQQLDO FXUVH RI ZRRGV DUVRQ )LQDOO\ Green Gold examines the rise of the tree farm movement, the rebirth of large-scale lumbering, the DGYHQW RI PRGHUQ HQYLURQPHQWDO FRQFHUQV DQG WKH PRYHPHQW WRZDUG WKH Âł)RXUWK )RUHVWÂ´ LQ $ODEDPD A Copublication with the Alabama Forestry Foundation U James E. Fickle is a visiting professor of forest and environmental history at Yale University and a professor of history at the University of Memphis. He is the author of F Mississippi Forests and Forestry, Timber: A Photographic History of Mississippi Forestry, and TKH 1HZ 6RXWK DQG WKH Âł1HZ &RPSHWLWLRQÂ´ 7UDGH $VVRFLDWLRQ Development in the Southern Pine Industry.

January 2014 [ Â&#x2021; SDJHV Â&#x2021; % : LOOXVWUDWLRQV including 3 maps ISBN: 978-0-8173-1813- Â&#x2021; $34.97 cloth ISBN: 978-0-8173-8739- Â&#x2021; $34.97 ebook

Mail this form to: The University of Alabama Press, Chicago Distribution Center, 11030 S. Langley, Chicago, IL, 60628 or fax to: 800-621-8476 (773-702-7212) or call: 800-621-2736 (773-702-7000) M Green Gold (Cloth ISBN 978-0-8173-1813-0) $34.97 US $___________ Domestic shipping: $5.00 for the first book and $1.00 for each additional book

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International shipping $9.50 for the first book and $5.00 for each additional book

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SERVICE

Underwriting U Loss Control U Claims Administration U Investigation U Legal Defense ForestFundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SURIHVVLRQDO VWDII SURYLGHV XQSDUDOOHOHG VHUYLFH EHJLQQLQJ ZLWK \RXU Â¿UVW FDOO WR WKH XQGHUZULWLQJ GHSDUWPHQW 4XDOLÂ¿HG DSSOLFDQWV ZLOO UHFHLYH D SURPSW TXRWH /RVV FRQWURO H[SHUWV ZLOO DGYLVH \RX DQG \RXU HPSOR\HHV on all aspects of a safety program. Any claims may be reported with a toll-free number 24 hours a day. Once the claim is UHSRUWHG DQ LQYHVWLJDWLRQ LV FRQGXFWHG ,I DFFHSWHG WKH FODLP LV HIÂ¿FLHQWO\ DGMXVWHG 7KH LQMXUHG HPSOR\HH LV WUHDWHG E\ KHDOWK FDUH SURYLGHUV VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ ZRUNSODFH LQMXULHV (PSOR\HUV DUH JLYHQ WLPHO\ UHSRUWV RQ WKH SURJUHVV of each claim. When claims are disputed, ForestFund members are represented by the best workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compensation defense lawyers in the state. ForestFund LV LQ LWV IRXUWK GHFDGH RI SURYLGLQJ H[FHSWLRQDO VHUYLFH IRU HPSOR\HUV DQG HPSOR\HHV who harvest, transport, manufacture, buy or sell forest products. Sure there are other programs that provide workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compensation coverage, but do they measure up to ForestFund when it FRPHV WR 6WDELOLW\ 6DYLQJV 6HUYLFH DQG 6DIHW\" 0DNH WKH FDOO WR Â¿QG RXW *HQHUDO /LDELOLW\ TXRWHV DUH DOVR DYDLODEOH For a quote, call Kelly Daniel at ForestFund: (334) 495-0024

Products & Services Introducing the Chainsaw Scabbard from Mac’s Tie Downs Protect your vehicle from damage and your chainsaw from wear and tear with the innovative, made in America, Mac’s Chainsaw Scabbard

SAGLE, Idaho (June 2013) — Anyone with experience hauling a chainsaw around knows that transporting it safely is a universal concern. Enter the newest product from Mac’s Tie Downs, the Chainsaw Scabbard, designed to keep your chainsaw safe and secure, no matter where you haul it and regardless of the size or bar length.

s the name indicates, this American made product is a scabbard that the chainsaw bar simply slides into and is clamped down against so that both the bar and the chain are protected from damage while in transit. Made out of aluminum that has been powder coated black for maximum durability, the scabbard has a universal design that can be mounted to a variety of different surfaces at a variety of different angles and fits most chainsaws. The product comes with a Master Lock for security, and an optional 90-degree mounting bracket is also available, which provides more freedom of alternative mounting positions. Whether mounted to a headache rack, a tool box or inside the bed of a truck, the Chainsaw Scabbard has no shortage of applications and can be used on bikes, Jeeps, ATVs, trucks, and nearly anything else you can think of. To learn more about the Chainsaw Scabbard and other Mac’s products visit www.MacsTieDowns.com. Remember to like us on Instagram: @MacsTieDowns and Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MacsCustomTieDowns. ▲

Morbark Demo Days Focus on Markets, Opportunities WINN, Mich. — Morbark, Inc., opened its sixth Demo Days event on May 17 with current and potential customers and members of their authorized industrial dealer network in attendance for factory tours, networking opportunities, vendor booths and informational seminars. The event concluded with demonstrations of equipment for the forestry and recycling markets. Seminars featured Bill Turley, editor of C&D World; Danny Dructor, president of the American Loggers Council; and Delton Alderman of the USDA Forest Service, speaking on the current trends and opportunities in the construction and demolition, forestry and biomass, and housing markets, respectively. More than 150 people from six countries attended the 2013 Spring Demo Days, the first of two such events for Morbark this year. The highlight of the event was the equipment demonstrations, which A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Tub grinder showcased innovative machines for biomass production, including the new configuration of the 40/36 Whole Tree Drum Chipper to produce superior microchips for use by pellet mills and as supplemental fuel for cogeneration at coal facilities. Another new product demonstrated was the 3200 Wood Hog horizontal grinder, created to fill the gap between Morbark’s 2600 and 3800 Wood Hogs for the recycling market and mulch producers. Completing the demonstration lineup

Micro chipper are: the Beever M20R Forestry chipper, the 30/36 NCL and 50/48 WCL Track Whole Tree Drum Chipper, the 23 WCL Chiparvestor, the 4600XL and 6600 Wood Hog horizontal grinders, and the 1600 Tub Grinder. Morbark has scheduled a second Demo Days event on October 10-11 of this year. About Morbark: Visit www.morbark.com, “Like” us on Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube channel. ▲ 31

Products & Ser vices

Kenworth’s Website Receives Award of Distinction Earns Honors in Manufacturing Category KIRKLAND, Wash., May 24, 2013 — Kenworth Truck Company’s comprehensive website (www.kenworth.com) recently received a 2013 Award of Distinction in the manufacturing category in the 19th Annual Communicator Awards competition. The award recognizes Kenworth, which is a technology leader in the trucking industry, as a website leader. This year’s competition had more than 6,000 entries in various categories. Kenworth’s award-winning, userfriendly website makes it easy for users to quickly navigate and find information. The Trucks section offers useful information on the full family of quality Kenworth heavy duty and medium duty trucks that serve a wide range of customer applications. Downloadable brochures are available from the website.

Featured are the fuel-efficient Kenworth T680, which was named the 2013, Heavy Duty Commercial Truck of the Year by the American Truck Dealers; and the new rugged and reliable Kenworth T880 vocational truck, which builds upon Kenworth’s distinguished 90-year heritage of quality, innovation and technology. Learn more about the PACCAR MX-13 engine with its enhanced fuel economy and ratings up to 500 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque, and the industry-leading Kenworth NavPlus® system, a multi-function communication system which includes hands-free cell phone calls via Bluetooth connections and voice commands. Also available are a Kenworth dealer locator with mapping and links to Kenworth dealers in the United States and Canada, Kenworth parts and services,

and the latest Kenworth news. The Kenworth website also provides convenient links to Kenworth’s merchandising (www.ShopKenworth.com), Facebook and Twitter sites, along with links to the PACCAR, PACCAR Engines, PACCAR Financial, PacLease, Kenworth International Sales, Kenworth Mexicana, Kenworth Australia, and DAF websites.

About the Communicator Awards The Communicator Awards are sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of Visual Arts, an invitation-only group consisting of top-tier professionals from acclaimed media, communications, advertising, creative and marketing firms. The Communicator Awards receives over 6,000 entries from companies and agencies of all sizes, making it one of the largest awards of its kind in the world. The website is www.communicatorawards.com. ▲

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A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Wildlife & Outdoors

Gulf State Park Hotel and Conference Center to be Restored

inally, the hurdles to restoring an Alabama Gulf Coast landmark are starting to fall. The Gulf State Park Hotel and Conference Center were obliterated by a direct hit from Hurricane Ivan in 2004. For a variety of reasons, the old hotel and conference site has been devoid of any structure since the hurricane made landfall with near 130 mph winds. Relief, however, appears to have been realized in the form of several favorable outcomes recently. Part of the funding issues have been resolved by the announcement made by Gov. Robert Bentley that the Alabama Gulf Coast will receive about $100 million through the National Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Early Restoration process related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. About $85.5 million of that money will be applied to Gulf State Park enhancements – funding toward the construction of a lodge and meeting facility on the site of the previous facilities; construction of an environmental research and education facility to benefit Alabama students; trail development and enhancement of existing trails in the park; dune restoration along the park’s pristine beachfront; and establishment of a coastal ecosystems interpretive center. The other hurdle cleared while the Legislature was in session earlier this year came in the form of Alabama Senate Bill 231. The bill establishes the Gulf State Park Project Committee, which will be A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Photo by David Rainer

By David Rainer

After Hurricane Ivan devastated the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2004, the improved Gulf State Park pier was rebuilt and opened to great fanfare in 2009. The hotel and conference center site is still bare after the ravaged structure was demolished. Recent legislation and a funding mechanism have improved the prospects that a new hotel and conference facility can be built on the 29-acre site.

chaired by the Governor and include the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, President Pro Temp of the Senate, State Finance Director, Secretary of Commerce, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on State Parks or their designees. “I want to congratulate and thank the Alabama Legislature for passing the Gulf State Park bill, which supports the enhancement and improvement of one of the state’s greatest assets,” Gov. Bentley said. “We have worked hard to secure funding for upgrades to the park facilities on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. This fulfills a

promise I made to the people of Baldwin County to upgrade and improve Gulf State Park. The improvements will result in the creation of more jobs and will generate more tourism in our state. I particularly want to thank the bill’s sponsors, Senator Trip Pittman and Representative Steve McMillan, along with the House and Senate leadership and all those who supported the bill. This legislation will benefit the Alabama Gulf Coast and our entire state.” The new law requires the next step be a market feasibility study that will give current information on which way to proceed with design and construction at the 29-acre site of the former lodge. ▲ 33

e n i l p i Z d r i b g n i m m u H Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

By David Rainer

isitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast have been intrigued by the new structures on the north side of Beach Boulevard in Gulf State Park. Some of the incorrect guesses have been fire towers or lifeguard stations. The huge towers are actually part of the new Gulf Adventure Center’s Hummingbird Zipline, where riders can get a bird’s-eye view of the park. Gulf State Park Superintendent Lisa Laraway said the new zipline is just one of the new features at the park that is striving to keep park visitors entertained. The new Boulder Park on the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail was recently opened for an adventure off the beaten path. “We’ve gotten a lot of exposure from all the new attractions in the park,” said Laraway, who has been superintendent since April 2012. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve been doing things to keep ourselves ‘in the game.’ We’ve got all this acreage between these two great cities, and we want to make sure we utilize everything we can to bring people to the outdoors and not just to the beach – they’re coming to Lake Shelby, they’re ziplining, kayaking, paddle-boarding, coming to the pier with our new restaurant venue. Then we’ve got the campgrounds and cabins. We’re renovating our cabins with new pictures, curtains, and paint. The structures are very well made, so we’re just updating them. I’ve also applied for a grant that would allow us to build a new primitive camping area on Little Lake. If we get the funding, we’ll have some nice campsites right on the water. “Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have noticed what we’ve done

in the past year and they’re very excited.” The zipline idea came from Tom Schlinkert, managing partner of the Gulf Adventure Center, which is a public-private partnership with the State of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Alabama State Parks. “Because I live here and because I thought this would be the most-visited state park, we chose to do the project here. We hope to do more in other parks. But we are more than the zipline. We have water sports rentals. We have plans to reach out with other things like electric bikes. We have plans to interest our tourism base that is more active. We share our revenue with Gulf State Park. Part of everything we do here goes right back into the park.” “Zip lines have been around for some time, largely as canopy tours,” Schlinkert said.”You’re in the air for more than a mile. You’re visiting all seven towers, the highest being 93 feet and the longest run being 1,228. That longest one is a dual line where two people can go at the same time. And it’s completely over the waters of Lake Shelby. Schlinkert said the zipline has been a hit since the facility opened on March 9. ▲

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management, and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

THREE IN THE BULLSEYE. FASTER. STRAIGHTER. STRONGER.

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Index to Advertisers AGRICULTURAL LENDING

Alabama Land Banks Associations ▲ AlabamaFarmCredit.com (North Alabama), AlabamaAgCredit.com (South Alabama) ..............................................4 First South Farm Credit ▲ firstsouthfarmcredit.com................................................6 ATTORNEYS

The Ladd Firm ▲ laddfirm.com ......................................................Inside front cover CONSULTANTS—FORESTRY

F&W Forestry Services ▲ fwforestry.com ..............................................................25 Larson & McGowin ▲ larsonmcgowin.com ...........................................................36 Walter Dennis & Associates, Inc. ..............................................................................36

Forestry Continuing Education ▲ alaforestry.org/ce .........................................19, 20 Project Learning Tree ▲ plt.org.............................................................................22 INSURANCE

Forest Fund ▲ alaforestry.org ...............................................................................30 LANDOWNERS (COMPANIES, INDIVIDUALS & TRUSTS)

The Westervelt Company ▲ westervelt.com..........................................................32 LOGGING CONTRACTORS

Warrior Logging & Tractor Equippment Co ▲ warriortractor.com ...........................12 SEEDLINGS

Cooks Saw Manufacturing Co. ▲ cookssaw.com ....................................................28 Cooper/T.Smith ▲ coopertsmith.com .......................................................Back Cover

Arborgen ▲ arborgen.com .....................................................................................2 International Forest Company ▲ interforestry.com ...............................................25 Rayonier ▲ rayonier.com ......................................................................................35 Weyerhaeuser ▲ weyerhaeuser.com.....................................................................35

FOREST PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS

TIMBER HARVESTING

EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING

Cooper/T.Smith ▲ coopertsmith.com .......................................................Back Cover Jasper Lumber Company ▲ jasperlumber.com .......................................................36 FORESTRY EDUCATION

Alabama Forests Forever Foundation ▲ alaforestry.org ..................Inside back cover

Mid-Star Timber Harvesting, Inc. ▲ midstartimber.com ........................................35 UTILITIES

Alabama 811 ▲ al1call.com..................................................................................32

JASPER L U M B E R

C O M PA N Y

Southern Wood Chips, Inc B&T Shavings, Inc “Tradi

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SFI – 00111

Walter Dennis & Associates, Inc.

Over five decades and millions of acres of experience www.larsonmcgowin.com Main Office: Mobile, Alabama / 251.438.4581

Environment, Forestry & Wildlife Consultants • Forest Management Plans • Timber Appraisals and Sales • Wildlife Management Plans • Wetlands Determinations • Environmental Assessments (Base Line, Phase 1) • Recreation Land Assessment • Hunt Lease Administration • Endangered Species Surveys • Conservation Programs Telephone: 601-446-5972 Fax: 601-445-0052 • Cell: 601-807-2168 P.O. Box 983 • Grand Bay, AL 36541

A L A B A M A F O R E S TS | S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

Get your license to educate Alabama.

The Alabama Forests Forever license plate offers everyone the opportunity to contribute to forestry education. Your purchase of this tag: • Helps fund educational forestry materials and workshops for teachers, including grants for forestry education. • Promotes the importance of forestry to Alabama and its economy. • Is a tax-deductible, charitable contribution which costs only $50 more than a general tag.

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334-240-9300 www.forestry.state.al.us

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