Alabama Marks Woods to Goods Week with Focus on Forest Economy
“Alabama Woods to Goods Week” underscores the importance of sustainability, innovation, and people in forestry
This week, October 19–25, 2025, Alabama celebrates Woods to Goods Week, a Statewide observance tied to National Forest Products Week. Governor Kay Ivey has proclaimed this the fifth consecutive year for the event, placing a spotlight on Alabama’s forest products industry.
The forest and forest products sectors play a major role in Alabama’s economy. The industry contributes over $36 billion annually and generates employment for 123,624 Alabamians.
“Alabama Woods to Goods Week” underscores the importance of sustainability, innovation, and people in forestry—from loggers and truck drivers to mill owners and landowners.
A variety of activities are underway to educate and engage the public:
- Mill tours and log site visits, allowing participants to see forestry operations firsthand
- Port Authority tour to connect forest products with export paths
- Land management demonstrations and educational events
- Children’s book donations, particularly the Tiny Timber Crew series to local schools
- Field trips for high school students to introduce them to forest industry careers
From students and public officials to members of the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) and conservation groups, these events aim to highlight the environmental, social, and economic impact of the forest sector.
This year’s Woods to Goods Week is proudly sponsored by the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils, which works on conservation and community planning across the State.
The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA), founded in 1949, also plays a central role in promoting sustainable forestry practices and supporting the state’s forest economy.
As the second-largest manufacturing industry in the state, forestry links rural economies to global markets. Woods to Goods Week recognizes that every step — from seed to shelf — depends on skilled workers and responsible land management.
For more information or to see how you can participate in Alabama’s Woods to Goods Week, visit www.alwoodstogoods.com.
The Alabama Forestry Association represents Alabama’s forestry community with membership that includes forest products manufacturers, landowners, loggers, wood dealers, foresters, consultants, and others involved in forestry. AFA is dedicated to protecting and improving thebusiness, regulatory and legal environment for landowners and forest business owners to ensure the sustainable growth of Alabama’s forests and forest industry.
Forests cover more than two-thirds of the State and provide the raw material for Alabama’s second largest manufacturing industry. To learn more, visit: https://www.alaforestry.org/.
The Forest Workforce Training Institute, ForestryWorks®, is a nonprofit workforce development organization creating a sustainable pipeline of workers for the forest industry for generations to come. To for more information, visit: https://www.forestryworks.com.
The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils is made up of nine non-profit Councils that depend on the leadership, abilities and unique skills of the individuals within the communities they serve. The high level of volunteer commitment and credibility has made RC&D one of the most successful delivery systems in Alabama. RC&D Councils are dedicated to conserving, enhancing, and developing Alabama’s natural and human resources, making Alabama a better place to live, work and play.
The Governor’s Proclamation is below:
