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AFA Mission and History
The Arkansas Forestry Association works to advance the cause of forestry, develop a public appreciation for the environmental and economic value of the forests of Arkansas, and encourage the wise use and management of forest resources. AFA advocates responsible scientific forest management, represents its members' interests in the public policy arena, and serves as a watchful guardian of private property rights.
With more than 1,500 members, AFA represents the state's
largest manufacturing sector which directly employs some
40,000 Arkansans and contributes more than $1 billion
annually in payroll. AFA also represents an estimated
2,500 certified Tree Farmers in the state, as well as 125,000 other
non-industrial private forest landowners, who together own nearly 57 percent of Arkansas's forestland. AFA offers forestry professionals and forest stewards an opportunity to learn from one another, while providing a forum in which members can make decisions that result in a sound forest products industry and healthy and abundant forests.
Forestry Issues
AFA members are finding ways to meet the demands for essential forest products, with the world's growing population, while maintaining fresh water and air supplies, enhancing fish wildlife habitat and conserving significant sites
and recreation areas. Meeting all of these needs is perhaps one of the forestry community's greatest challenges today, and AFA members are meeting them head on.
Landowner Education and Assistance
The AFA Education Foundation sponsors a landowner education and assistance program, offering a toll-free
message line, 1-888-MYTREES, for landowners seeking
forest management information. As part of this program, AFAEF holds a number of landowner education
workshops throughout the state and publishes a variety
of educational guides to provide landowners the information
they need to make sound forest management decisions.
Educational Outreach
Members of the forestry community work through AFA Education Foundation (AFAEF) to serve as an information and education source to Arkansas's teachers and students. AFAEF offers teacher training as part of the award-winning Project Learning Tree curriculum as well as summer teacher training workshops and other activities.
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