Alabamians benefit from forests in so many ways. Over 170,000 work in the forest industry, over 400,000 own forestland, and 800,000 hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Even with the continued expansion of other industries in the Alabama, the forest products industry remains one of the most important in terms of sales and employment. The economic importance of forestry in Alabama was summarized by in a 1995 report. The economic impact of forestry decisions is important to landowners and the communities that depend on the many benefits of forestland. 

 

Financial resources and information for landowners

• Alabama Forest Owners Association Hunting Lease Price Survey
• Alabama Cash Receipts Report 2004 (Stumpage Severance tax)
• Alabama Stumpage Price Trends
• Estimating Land Value for Growing Timber on Agricultural Land
• Investing in Forestry (IFAS Florida)
• Hunting Leases and Permits
• Natural Resource Enterprises (MSU Mississippi)
• Reforestation as an Investment: Does It Pay? (NCSU North Carolina)
• Thinning Pine Stands for Top Returns
• Timber Mart-South Stumpage price reporting
• Tools and Techniques of Forest Finance (US Forest Service)

Forests also play a significant role in community well being beyond economic impact.  Cultural resources like old homesteads and cemeteries may be important.  Considering forest aesthetics in critical areas on main roads and near tourist destinations can contribute to the community as well.