Montgomery, Ala. – A Master Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) between the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) and the USDA Forest Service/National Forests in Alabama will enable the two agencies to continue working together across boundaries. Linwood Butler, Forest Supervisor with National Forests in Alabama, and State Forester Rick Oates recently signed the agreement, which is dedicated to the stewardship and management of National Forest System lands encompassing Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega, and Tuskegee National Forests.
“The Good Neighbor Agreement allows the Forest Service to collaborate with the Alabama Forestry Commission to manage and restore the National Forests in Alabama effectively,” said Linwood Butler. “This agreement allows us to perform critical forest management work, which is crucial for maintaining healthy and productive forests, as it allows for shared resources and expertise in managing federal lands. The types of projects that can be undertaken under this GNA include timber harvesting, hazardous fuel treatment, wildlife surveys, road reconstruction, and ecosystem restoration. This agreement enhances relationships and addresses cross-boundary needs.”
“Partnering with the Forest Service is essential to the AFC,” said Rick Oates. “Joint efforts such as this Good Neighbor Agreement help us manage and protect our state’s forests more effectively while serving the citizens of Alabama,” he continued. “When forest management specialists from both federal and state agencies join forces on a project, everyone wins.”
Butler continued, “National Forests in Alabama timber production has increased its normal operational pace and scale by leaning heavily on partners such as AFC. This agreement represents another significant step towards collaborative forest management to address the complex challenges of forest health and sustainability.”