MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – Governor Kay Ivey has declared October 19–25, 2025, as “Alabama Woods to Goods Week,” recognizing the vital role Alabama’s forest industry plays in the state’s economy and communities. The observance coincides with National Forest Products Week and marks the fifth consecutive year Governor Ivey has issued the proclamation.
“Alabama Woods to Goods Week” is a week-long celebration honoring the state’s forest professionals, resources, companies, and the industry’s environmental and economic contributions.
The forest and forest products industry contributes more than $36 billion annually to Alabama’s economy and supports over 123,000 jobs statewide. The industry’s reach extends far beyond business—it fuels local economies and provides careers to loggers, truck drivers, mill workers, landowners, and foresters across the state.
According to the release, “Alabama’s Woods to Goods Week is a promotional event to celebrate the state’s second largest manufacturing industry, the sustainability of the industry and the impact the industry’s loggers, truck drivers, mill owners, mill employees, landowners, foresters and the many others who dedicate their lives to the forest industry have, not only in their local communities, but also statewide, nationally and around the world.”
Events held during the week included mill tours, an Alabama Port Authority tour, log site visits, children’s book donations, and land management demonstrations. From students to public officials, participants highlighted the environmental, community, and economic impact of Alabama’s forest sector.
The week is sponsored by the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils, which works to ensure the sustainable growth of Alabama’s forests and forest businesses.
The statement emphasized, “Forests cover more than two-thirds of the state and provide the raw material for Alabama’s second largest manufacturing industry. Forestry provides a $36 billion total economic output to the state’s economy.”
Supporting organizations include the Forest Workforce Training Institute, ForestryWorks®, a nonprofit focused on building a sustainable pipeline of workers for future generations.
The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, made up of nine nonprofit councils statewide, praised the industry’s collaboration and leadership. The release noted, “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.”
For more information on Alabama Woods to Goods Week, visit www.alwoodstogoods.com.
All photos are courtesy of Governor Kay Iveys Office
