# Forest Stewardship Program and landowner assistance

> Advice and site visits from Alabama Forestry Commission (State) for AL, United States.

Official page: https://www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Management/Stewardship.aspx
Source: https://treerm.org/residents/programs/al-forestry-commission-forest-stewardship-program · Updated 2026-11-08 · Status: Open

**What you get:** Free on-the-ground planning help and a written Stewardship Forest Management Plan from Alabama Forestry Commission foresters for owners of 10 or more forested acres

The Alabama Forestry Commission's Forest Stewardship Program gives non-industrial private forest landowners free on-the-ground planning assistance and, on request, a written Stewardship Forest Management Plan designed to meet the landowner's objectives. The Commission says all recommended forest management plans and advice are offered at no cost; it typically starts with a stand management recommendation for a specific situation and then a plan for the whole property. Landowners who meet all requirements can earn a Stewardship Forest designation after a field inspection, and can progress toward TREASURE Forest certification. The program is not a cost-share program; cost-share for carrying out a plan may be available through other programs.

## Who qualifies

Non-industrial private forest landowners committed to active management and stewardship of their forested property for at least ten years. For Stewardship Forest designation a landowner must have 10 acres or more of forest land, a current forest management plan that meets stewardship principles, one primary and one secondary objective, and actively practice multiple-use management in accordance with best management practices.

## How to apply

Complete the online application on the Commission's site (Program_Nomination.aspx?type=stewardship) to request a visit from a resource professional, or contact your local Alabama Forestry Commission office through the Office and Employee Directory. State headquarters: (334) 240-9300. No deadline is stated.

**For:** Landowners, Farmers

> Note: The 'all plans and advice at no cost' statement comes from the Commission's Professional Forestry Assistance page (forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Management/ForestAssistance.aspx). Some hands-on services such as prescribed burning and fire lane construction are fee-based.