Timberland is increasing in Alabama. (Alabama Forestry Commission)

Contrary to popular belief that urban encroachment is depleting forests, timberland is actually increasing in Alabama.

The state now has a record-high 23 million acres of timber, putting it third in the country behind Georgia and Oregon, according to a new report by the Alabama Forestry Commission. Since 2000, timber volume has grown 18 percent, and now accounts for 69 percent of the state’s total area.

Meanwhile, the rate of replacing harvested timber continues to outpace cutting, with every ton of timber harvested replaced by 1.55 tons of new growth.

“The annualized inventory of Alabama’s forests continues to show all the benefits we derive from our vast forests – wood products, clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities – can be managed in a sustainable way,” said State Forester Greg Pate. “The fact more land is being put into timberland is icing on the cake.”

Replacement of forested timber outpaces harvesting. (Alabama Forestry Commission)

Another myth is Alabama is overrun with pine trees. But the ratio of pines to hardwoods is about equal, with 9.9 million acres of pines and 9.8 million in hardwoods. A mixture of hardwood and softwood trees account for 3.2 million acres.

The vast majority of Alabama’s timberland, 94 percent, is privately owned; the rest is in public hands. About 7 percent of the state’s timberland is owned by “forest industries” – that is, companies that process wood, according to the Forestry Commission report, while 87 percent is owned by non-industrial, private owners.

To learn more about Alabama’s forest resources, view the Forestry Commission’s full report.