USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind landowners sign-up is underway for a new initiative focused on increasing the number of white oak timber stands in north Alabama. According to the United States Forest Service’s Forest Inventory, white oak regeneration is not keeping pace with the amount of white oak timber being harvested and if not reversed, could cause a shortage of white oak timber available for harvest and for wildlife habitat over the next few decades.
The goal of the initiative is to increase the amount of white oak timber stands available in the future, which can be accomplished by improving existing stands of timber and replanting white oak on lands that are poorly stocked.  NRCS is providing funding for both options and eligible producers are encouraged to apply by June 3, 2019. To sign-up or learn more contact your local USDA service center.