NRCS and AFC team up to help landowners

AFC State Forester Linda Casey (seated l) and Alabama NRCS State Conservationist Gary Kobylski sign joint partnership agreement to provide increased assistance to forest landowners in Alabama. Standing l-r: Steve Musser (NRCS), John Pirtle (AFC), Arthur Hitt (AFC), Bill Baisden (AFC), Tim Albritton (NRCS).

NRCS and the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) entered into an agreement to provide increased assistance to forest landowners in Alabama. This joint partnership will help promote forest management, advance conservation on forestlands, and improve delivery of technical assistance to private landowners in Alabama.

This is the first formal agreement between the federal agency and the state agency. Staffs from both agencies have worked together at the local level for many years. This agreement recognizes this cooperation, and lays the groundwork for more detailed agreements to share staff and financial resources." NRCS State Conservationist Gary Kobylski notes that, "NRCS administers many federal programs that can benefit forest landowners. Under these programs, the agency provides technical assistance as well as financial incentive payments. Both the NRCS and AFC assist landowners with activities such as: establishing riparian buffers, prescribed burning on existing pine stands, planting hardwood and softwood trees, including longleaf pines, and applying conservation practices to stabilize logging roads and other forest harvest sites."

AFC State Forester Linda Casey said, "This agreement will strengthen the relationship between the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. By forming this closer working relationship, we will be able to better leverage our resources and more effectively provide services to the landowners of Alabama."

The agreement promotes a more efficient state and federal government by sharing technical assistance, information, training, and continuing educational opportunities for landowners.

There are nearly 23 million acres of forestland in Alabama. Over 440,000 forest landowners control 79 percent of the forestland in the state. These lands not only support the forest industry and contribute to the state’s economy, but also are an integral part of the quality of life for residents of the State of Alabama. Increasing assistance to protect privately owned forestlands benefits the environment and community.

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Teaming Up to Better Serve Forest Owners