The tornados that devastated
parts of East Alabama on March 3 caused numerous fatalities and injuries, while
creating massive destruction of property. In addition to this heartbreaking
loss of lives and homes, there was also significant damage to forestland. The
Alabama Forestry Commission’s assessment of timber damage from the storms
determined that a combined 5,888 forested acres were damaged in Macon, Lee, and
Barbour counties, with 149,130 tons of timber destroyed at a value of
$3,369,071 million.
Adding insult to injury, these forest
landowners impacted by the tornado may also encounter higher costs for heavy
site preparation. With the excessive amount broken limbs, fallen trees, as well
as non-forest debris on the property, site preparation will be extensive, thus
increasing the cost of cleanup. There is also a cost for artificial
regeneration or replanting of the site. The average total cost for site
preparation and replanting a stand is estimated at approximately $425 per acre
or $2,502,400 for the 5,888 forested acres impacted by the tornado.
With the value of damaged forestland and the
cost for site restoration, the total estimated loss to affected landowners is
$5,871,471. The complete report is located on the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC)
website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.
To reduce the fuel load that could
contribute to destructive wildfires as well as potential bark beetle outbreaks,
it is important for forest landowners to salvage their damaged timber as soon
as possible. They should visit their local USDA service center to learn about
cost-share assistance that may be available. More information on considerations
when selling your timber is located on the AFC website, as well as contact
information for your county forester.