Forestlands cover over 70% of Alabama (22.9 million acres) and is second in size only to Georgia.  There is tremendous diversity in Alabama's forests, from upland oak stands in the mountains of the northeast to coastal hardwood swamps along the Mobile bay.

Today Alabama's forest are growing more trees than ever previously recorded.  These forests support 70,000 people that are directly employed with forest-based companies and 100,000 people that are indirectly dependent upon the forest industry
Alabama ranks fourth in the nation for its incredible biological diversity.  Alabama has more species of fish, mussels, snails, and crayfish than any other state.  There are more than 800 species of vertebrates animals and 3,400 plant species in the state.Established as a state agency in 1924, the mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is three-fold:  to Protect the Forests from all harmful agents; to Service and Help Landowners to carry out responsible forest management on their property, using professional technical assistance so as to benefit themselves, their land and society; and to Educate the General Public about the value of our forests in insuring both a healthy economy and environment.  We do this in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. The Forestry Commission is governed by a seven member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Governor of Alabama.