Many find there's nothing like the quiet escape of a day in the woods, hunting or hiking or camping or simply finding a spot to find refuge from the bustle of daily life.

Forests throughout Alabama provide a natural amenity to longtime locals and visitors alike as well as abundant biodiversity and, according to the latest IMPLAN study commissioned by the Forest Workforce Training Institute (ForestryWorks®), a forest and forest products manufacturing industry that contributes more than $36.3 billion to Alabama's economy.

Jacksonville State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research conducted a study that showed an almost $7.4 billion increase from the previous study of $28.9 billion impact in 2019.

"Historically, the forest products industry has played a significant role in Alabama's economy," Gov. Kay Ivey said in a news release. "As a forest landowner and native of Wilcox County, I know personally how important the industry is to rural economies across the state. In Alabama, we are committed to growing our rural communities, and the continued growth of the forest products industry is a key part of our strategy."

According to the study, more than 54,000 Alabamians are directly employed by the forest products industry, and a total of 123,624 people are employed because of the economic activity generated from Alabama's forest industry, contributing over $8 billion of labor income to the state.

"Alabama's healthy forests and abundant forest resources are a key factor in the growth of the forest products industry," State Forester Rick Oates with the Alabama Forestry Commission said in the release. "According to our most recent Forest Inventory Analysis work, Alabama's forests are growing 84% more timber than is being harvested each year, so there's much more room for growth in the forest products industry."

"Alabama's abundant forest resources, friendly business environment and willing and well-trained workforce combine to make Alabama a very attractive location for forest products companies," said Chris Isaacson, president and CEO of the Alabama Forestry Association. "Over the last 10 years, forest products companies have invested an average of $840 million every year, creating more than 1,000 new jobs per year."

This continued growth in the forest products industry creates increasing demands for workers and Alabama is well-positioned to meet those demands. AIDT, a division of the Alabama State Department of Commerce, provides substantial resources to employers to stand up a new workforce and provide needed training.

Another factor contributing to the growth of the forest industry in Alabama is ForestryWorks, a forest industry-focused workforce development program.

"ForestryWorks is committed to working with forest industry employers to educate potential employees about forestry, promote careers in the industry and build pathways to needed training to qualify for those careers," said Stephanie Fuller, director of promotion for the Forest Workforce Training Institute. "In 2023, ForestryWorks® reached over 29,000 students throughout the state with forestry education and career opportunity resources. The Forest Worker Career Readiness Indicator curriculum is available in 228 public schools within the Alabama Department of Education system."