Fields & Forests, an afforestation project developed by the American Forest Foundation (AFF), announced the planting of its millionth tree today. Launched in 2024, the project works with small-acreage landowners to plant trees on their underutilized fields, generating diverse income opportunities to complement existing revenue streams and enhancing resilience in rural economies.
The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is proud to partner with AFF and celebrate this tremendous milestone. Rick Oates, State Forester, shared, “The AFC is extremely privileged to collaborate with partners to improve forestry in Alabama. This milestone is an incredible achievement, and we are proud to celebrate it here in our state. Our agency is committed to Alabama’s landowners, and this is a collective win for all.”
“Family landowners are the backbone of our country’s economy, but they’re too often left out of opportunities to keep their lands healthy and productive and ensure their legacy is protected into the future,” said Christine Cadigan, EVP of Carbon Origination at AFF. “Through projects like Fields & Forests, landowners can hold onto their land and diversify their revenue streams, all while growing thriving forests that help our planet. Planting the millionth tree is the first of many milestones in our efforts to scale meaningful conservation and economic impact for rural America.”
AFF celebrated the millionth planting on recently enrolled landowner Portia Fulford’s property near Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to the Alabama Forestry Commission, AFF was joined by several other key partners, including the Arbor Day Foundation, the Alabama Forestry Foundation, Help for Landowners, and Funga.
A second stop on the day’s tour included a visit to Goff Farms in Coosa County, owned by John Goff, Protection Division Director of the Alabama Forestry Commission. Participants had the opportunity to learn from an excellent steward of the land and observe the implementation of sound forest management practices as well as the numerous benefits of prescribed fire in our forests. Goff commented, “The Fields & Forests program provides landowners with a unique opportunity to invest in future generations, ensuring our legacy is one of sustainability and faithfulness.” When asked where he sees his property in 100 years, John emphasized the importance of instilling in his children a love of the land so it can remain a family treasure.
Fields & Forests’ first million trees were planted on nearly 2,000 acres of land across the U.S. South, representing 100 million board feet of timber to be grown over the next 30 years and more than $1.7 million committed to rural landowners.
Available in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, Fields & Forests is uniquely designed for small landowners, requiring only 30 acres to enroll. While many other carbon projects purchase land, landowners enrolled in Fields & Forests retain full ownership of their property and any profits generated from the eventual sale of timber. The project also allows for active management, with options to thin and harvest sustainably. The project was made possible thanks to partners across the public and private sectors. Funding from USDA’s Forest Landowner Support Program launched Fields & Forests as a pilot in Georgia, and additional support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has enabled the project’s expansion across the U.S. South. Netflix’s purchase of carbon credits under a prepayment agreement has provided Fields & Forests with the upfront financing needed to scale.
Fields & Forests is a project under the Family Forest Carbon Program, administered through the Family Forest Impact Foundation, a subsidiary of AFF. Launched in 2021, the Family Forest Carbon Program has enrolled 1,300 landowners and 180,000 acres in 20 states.
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