Alabama Forestry Commission


The Alabama Forestry Commission is the forest management agency for the U.S. state of Alabama. It was created as a state agency by an act of the Alabama Legislature in 1924. Its general mission is protecting Alabama's forests from wildfire, insects, and diseases; assisting landowners practice responsible forest management on their private property; and educating the general public about the value of Alabama's forests. It established the Alabama Champion Tree Program in 1970 and continues to maintain it.

Organization

The Code of Alabama 1975 states that the commission is to be made up of seven members who are appointed by the Governor of Alabama, with the advice and consent of the Alabama Senate. Each term in office is set at five years. Two of the members must be licensed and registered foresters under state law. The members must elect from a chairman and vice-chairman from their own ranks, each of whom shall serve in that capacity for one year. Furthermore, the members of the commission must appoint, with the advice and consent of the governor, a state forester who shall serve as the executive secretary and administrative officer for the commission. The state forester must possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in forestry and must be licensed and registered under the forestry laws of the state with extensive experience in the forestry field.

Functions

The Code of Alabama mandates nine specific functions and duties for the commission.