Alabama Forestry Commission

08/11/2026

🌳 Learning about the land—out in the field!

Students from the Southeastern 4-H Ag Xperience recently made a stop at Muleshoe Plantation to get an up-close look at agriculture, forestry and wildlife management.

The visit was part of a three-day, three-state tour giving students the chance to see agricultural operations across the Southeast and learn more about the people, practices and industries that keep our working lands thriving.

A little classroom time, a whole lot of real-world experience. 👏🌳

08/06/2026

POV: You ask the western detail crews how it's going... and they respond with a photo dump. 📸🔥

Our firefighters continue supporting wildfire suppression efforts in Idaho, South Dakota, and Oregon, putting their training and experience to work wherever they're needed.

Keep up the great work, and come home safe! 🌳💚

08/04/2026

🌙AFC after dark

Fire towers once served as the eyes of Alabama's forests, helping detect wildfires long before today's technology existed.

While aircraft, drones, satellite imagery, and other advanced tools have expanded how we detect wildfires, one thing remains the same: our commitment to protecting Alabama's forests.

Day or night, the Alabama Forestry Commission is always ready. 💚

📸Nick Boone

07/31/2026

One internship. Many experiences. 🌳

This summer, nine AFC interns worked alongside employees across the agency to learn what forestry looks like in the field, in the air, and in the office. 🚜✈️📏

From collecting basal area data and determining tree age with increment borers to operating heavy equipment, assisting with invasive species management, flying aerial detection missions for southern pine beetle, and supporting accounting and administrative operations, the interns gained hands-on experience in the many ways the Alabama Forestry Commission serves Alabama's forests and the people who depend on them.

Thank you to our interns for your hard work, willingness to learn, and dedication throughout the summer. We appreciate all you've accomplished and wish you the very best as you continue your education and careers in natural resources. 💚

07/30/2026

📸 A picture-perfect burn starts long before the match is lit—with knowledge, planning, and the right training.

🔥That's why Alabama's Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM) Program is getting its first major update since 1996. With growing interest in prescribed burning across the state, these updates will help ensure the program continues to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's burn managers.

➡️ Swipe through to learn what's changing, then visit the link below for complete program updates and additional information.

🔗https://al.accessgov.com/afcsite/Forms/Page/afcsite/afc-training

07/29/2026

📢 Don't miss your chance!

The 2026 Site Prep Prescribed Burn application period closes this Friday, July 31. If you're planning to apply, be sure to submit your application before the deadline.

Looking ahead? 2026 Understory Prescribed Burn applications open Monday, August 3. If you're interested, check back next week to apply.

Visit the Landowner Assistance Application Portal link to submit your application.

Questions? Contact your local Alabama Forestry Commission office—we're happy to help!

🔗https://alabamaforestrycommission.submittable.com/submit

07/29/2026

07/22/2026

The Alabama Forestry Commission joined the Pike County Commission, the Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama State Rep. Marcus Paramore, Alabama Speaker of the House Chief of Staff Mark Tuggle, and other key supporters for the ribbon-cutting on a new bridge on July 21. Funds received through the Rural Logging Efficiency Grant made construction of the bridge on Pike County Road 7718 possible.
This grant program was established through the Alabama Legislature’s Rural Logging Efficiency Act of 2023 and funded in the FY25 General Fund Budget. The funds are dedicated to upgrading infrastructure and easing costly transportation challenges that result from routing loaded trucks around weight-restricted bridges in rural areas.
The Pike County project was one of six selected for the initial round of funding and the first to officially unveil the new bridge. They were awarded $400,000, which was the full amount of the initial request. Additionally, matching local funds facilitated the project.
“Strong infrastructure is essential to the safety, connectivity and economic vitality of Alabama's rural communities,” State Forester Rick Oates said. “This bridge represents what can be accomplished when state and local partners work together to invest in the future, and we're proud to see these Rural Bridge Grant Initiative funds put to work for the people who depend on rural roads and bridges every day.”
Looking forward, the Commission expects grant applications for the next round of funds will be available in August. Additional details will follow at a later date.

07/16/2026

Protecting Alabama's forests from the ground and the sky! ✈🌳

AFC Forest Health Coordinator has been diligent in Southern Pine Beetle detection across the state to ensure our forests are protected. Through aerial surveys and satellite imagery, Drew and his team have been able to gather crucial beetle activity data to share with Alabama's landowners.

07/15/2026

Wildfire knows no state lines—and neither does the commitment of those who fight it.

The Alabama Forestry Commission has deployed wildland firefighters to South Dakota to support ongoing wildfire suppression efforts. Through interstate cooperation, our crews are helping protect lives, property, and natural resources while standing alongside fellow firefighters from across the country.

Join us in thanking these crew members for their willingness to serve wherever they're needed most. We wish them a safe deployment and a safe return home.

Serving Alabama. Supporting the nation.