Our Community Forestry program focuses on improving the health, safety, and resilience of Alabama’s urban and community forests. This project seeks to do this in two ways: by increasing the professionalism and knowledge of commercial and municipal tree-care professionals and by educating private homeowners to improve their knowledge and demand for best management practices in urban forest management.

FAQ: I have a tree in my yard that looks like it is dying.  What should I do?

Answer: You can visit the International Society of Arboriculture and search to find a certified arborist in your area who can assess urban tree health.

The focus of the Forest Business Resources program is to enhance the livelihoods of Alabama residents through the betterment of forest management, business practices, and increased opportunities for producing income. Specifically, the information and tools focus on temporary or small-scale income-producing opportunities and owning and operating a value-added business to assist private forest owners in achieving their goals and objectives. This program educates landowners on the benefits of healthy forests and how practicing forest management can not only enhance the health and resiliency of forests but also enhance opportunities to generate income from forests that can potentially be used to support the costs of forest management practices.

FAQ:  What is a registered forester and why do I need one?

Answer: A registered forester may also be called a consulting forester.  These individuals represent the landowner’s interests in all aspects of land management.  They can assist with forest inventories, timber sales, timber harvest scheduling, tree planting, and all other aspects of timberland management.

FAQ: How do I know what my timber is worth?

Answer: A forest inventory can tell you a lot about the condition and value of your forest resources.  Work with a registered forester or a consulting forester to help you determine the value of your forest.

FAQ: What are timber stumpage prices in my area?

Answer: Contact an Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Forestry, Wildlife & Natural Resources Regional Extension Agent or Forestry Specialist for information on stumpage prices.

FAQ: I am interested in managing my forest for nontimber forest products like pine straw.  How do I get started?

Answer:  While there is no one way to manage your forest for nontimber forest products, there are many things to consider before you start.  Pine straw harvesting and nontimber forest products for foliage and floral industries are some of the most popular. But landowners should consider their land management objectives, and forest land capabilities before beginning any management project.

FAQ: What does it cost to plant trees or perform other forestry activities?

Answer: Costs and Trends of Southern Forestry Practices can vary by location and from year to year.  Contact an Alabama Cooperative Extension System Forestry, Wildlife & Natural Resources Regional Extension Agent or Forestry Specialist for more information.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System Invasive Species program provides in-service training, educational events, and publications for a wide range of stakeholders including forest landowners, foresters and other natural resource land managers, federal and state agency personnel, natural resource educators, Master Gardeners, and the general public. By controlling invasive species on your property forest health and productivity are ultimately improved through enhanced control efforts, more acres treated, and fewer plants escaping.

FAQ: What do I do if I have invasive species in my forest?

Answer:  Depending on the species and management objectives, there are different invasive species management approaches a landowner should take.  For more information on common invasive species in Alabama please visit the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Invasive Species web page.

Members of the ACES Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources (FWNR) Team are ready to assist you with questions and issues related to wildlife in Alabama. Whether the questions are about hunting and game species, nuisance wildlife, wildlife identification, or injured/orphaned animals, the FWNR Team is well equipped to address these information needs. Additionally, the following Wildlife FAQ can address common questions about Alabama’s wildlife.

Wildlife FAQ

FAQ: I found a sick or injured animal. How can I help?

Answer: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) maintains a list of all permitted wildlife rehabbers in Alabama HERE. Please note that each rehabber maintains a specific list of wildlife species they can accept.

For raptors (birds of prey), the Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University details how to capture and transport an injured bird HERE.

If possible, call the rehabber prior to handling the animal as they may not be able to accept it. Many rehabbers are unable to pick-up animals, and you must provide transportation to the rehabilitation center. Only do this if it is safe for both you and the animal. Remember that mammals – especially bats, raccoons, foxes, coyotes and skunks – can carry rabies. If in doubt, do not touch it. Your safety is most important.

FAQ: I found an orphaned fawn? Where should I take it?

Answer: Do not touch fawns, leave them alone and where you found them. Although they may look helpless and orphaned when you see them bedded down, this is a natural strategy to avoid predators. Its mother is likely close by and waiting for you to leave. To learn more about what to do should you encounter a fawn, please visit HERE.

FAQ: How do I deal with nuisance wildlife on my property?

Answer: Check out these links for general information on how to coexist with and deter wildlife:

Wildlife Neighbors: Living with Urban & Suburban Wildlife

Legal Wildlife Damage Management Techniques in Alabama

Links to more detailed control strategies for specific species can be found below:

Beaver Control in Alabama

Controlling Armadillo Damage in Alabama

Controlling Damage from Moles and Voles

Controlling Eastern Gray Squirrel Damage

Controlling Rats and Mice

FAQ: I have wildlife on my property or in my neighborhood that needs to be removed. Who should I call?

Answer: There are three options if an animal needs to be removed because they represent a nuisance, a human or pet safety concern, or it is sick. These include:

1. Call the state office of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services at 334-844-5670.
2. Contact someone on the nuisance wildlife control operator list maintained by ADCNR. It is organized by statewide operators followed by a county-specific operators.
3. Contact someone on the Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association at nuisance wildlife control operators list.

FAQ: I’m having problems with wild pigs on my property. What should I do?

Answer: Review A Landowner’s Guide for Wild Pig Management: Practical Methods for Wild Pig Control for detailed information.  Additionally, please visit our full playlist of “How-to” videos available on YouTube.

FAQ: Is the snake I found venomous?

Answer: There are six species of venomous snake native to Alabama – copperhead, cottonmouth (water moccasin), pygmy rattlesnake, timber (canebrake) rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and harlequin coral snake. Learn to identify these six types of snakes.

If in doubt, review this link: Identification and Control of Snakes in Alabama.

If you would like to have an expert identify a snake from a photograph you took, send it to Dr. Wesley Anderson via email or text (334-750-9458).

If you are a Facebook user, consider joining the group Snake Identification for rapid identification of snake photographs. It is fine to submit photos of living or dead snakes. Be sure to include the location of the photograph with your post.

For free snake relocation services in the state, consult this map.

FAQ: Do we have cougars (AKA mountain lions, pumas, panthers) in Alabama?

Answer: There have been no confirmed cougar sightings in Alabama for 50 years. Many reports are of “black panthers.” An all-black (melanistic) cougar has never been recorded so any black panther sightings are likely of melanistic bobcats. More information can be found HERE.

That is not to say that a cougar sighting in Alabama is impossible. Individuals can travel hundreds of miles. If you do have photographic evidence of a cougar in the state, please consider sharing it with us.