USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama reminds landowners in the Northern part of the state the signup deadline for the new initiative focused on increasing the number of White Oak Timber stands is Monday, June 3. White oak is an important component of Alabama’s forests due to the high value of the wood for veneer, cooperage (bourbon barrels), flooring, cabinet-making, furniture and exports. Trees in the white oak family also have low tannins in their acorns and highly favored by many wildlife species.
According to the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory, white oak regeneration is not keeping pace with the amount of white oak timber being harvested. If this trend is not reversed, this 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. Eligible producers are encouraged to apply by visiting their local USDA service center.