Alabama Landowners Gather at Gulf State Park

By Maggie Edwards

Sand dunes, pine trees and a boardwalk filled with landowners set the stage for Alabama Landowners Conference Oct. 2-4 in Gulf Shores.

A charter bus of attendees set sail for field tours Day 1. That's where the beauty of Gulf State Park shined, said Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA) board member John Gilbert.

"The tours and seminars were captivating," said Gilbert, assistant director of the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia. "We received an introduction to birds and sea animals as we walked the pier, and we had an educational demo of fish being caught and reeled in."

After diving into marine wildlife, participants toured the state park's forest. Gilbert said it was insightful to see the land where Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) and Gulf State Park staff utilize prescribed burning. That helps reduce fuel loads and push out overgrown vegetation, Gilbert added.

Day 2 began with workshops that ranged from venomous snakes identification and first aid safety to timber market updates and advocacy training.

AFC's Todd Langston emphasized the conference's focus on grassroots management.

"Educational speakers covered a broad spectrum of topics, so we weren't getting weighed down in one area," said Langston, the Tree Farm Inspector of the Year recipient. "It's also a great avenue for networking. We're all here to talk about our professions and ways to combat issues we face."

During the event, the Alabama Natural Resources Council (ANRC) Awards Banquet highlighted outstanding individuals who contribute to the state's forestry industry.

ATFA Executive Director William Green presented Butler County's John and Ann Boutwell with the Bill Moody Award, while AFC's Ed Lewis received the Gary Fortenberry Partnership Award. Lewis also received the Alabama Tree Farm Doug Link Leadership Award.

Butler County's Ann and John Boutwell are pictured with ATFA Executive Director William Green.

From left are Alabama State Forester Rick Oats, Alabama Forestry Foundation Executive Vice President Chris Erwin, Alabama Forestry Commission's Ed Lewis and ATFA Executive Director William Green.

Additionally, ATFA raised $1,200 for scholarships through a silent auction.

"My hope is that people continue to see the value of a conference like this," Green said. "Our goal is to provide landowners and natural resources professionals with educational resources and tools they need to be successful."

Alabama Landowners Conference is a joint meeting of the ATFA, Alabama Tree Farm Committee and ANRC. ATFA is a partner organization of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

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