Forestry

Forestry Forestry

Forestry Study Guides

4-H Forestry 101

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Forestry Links

In a comparison of state natural resources, Alabama is second in total area available as timberland and fourth in pulpwood harvested. The forestry industry directly or indirectly employs 10% of Alabama's total workforce, has a $4.2 billion payroll, and produces $13.2 billion in products. According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, the value of forest products shipped abroad in 1995 was $1.25 billion, or 23% of all exports. As human populations continue to grow and expand into rural areas, we place increasing demands on Alabama's natural resources. Therefore, there is a need for youth to understand their link to the natural environment and the need to conserve and manage these resources.

A major aspect of the 4-H forestry program is forestry judging. Youth learn to evaluate forest stands, measure standing timber, identify trees, identify insects and diseases, and demonstrate compass and pacing skills. Typically 150 youth participate in the state contest. During the contest, training is conducted for Extension Agents and volunteer leaders interested in coaching teams. Since 1984, Alabama's teams have won the national invitational 12 times and consistently placed in the top five.