For such a small bug, it’s creating huge problems. The Southern pine beetle is gnawing its way through woodlands in the state, killing trees and profits. Money really does grow on trees in Alabama. Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in the state, generating a yearly economic impact of $70.4 billion, according to the Alabama Farmers Federation.
And timber production and processing is the largest aspect of agriculture in the state, generating a $21.4 billion yearly impact. Of the 580,295 jobs ag and its related industries creates, 122,020 are timber production and processing jobs, federation data shows.
Since 85 percent of the state’s timberland is owned by private individuals, it’s easy to see how wide-spread SPB infestations can hit in homes, and bank accounts, across the state. Those pine plantations you drive by are more than trees planted in neat rows. They are investments; money for college funds, a boost to retirement income and something to pass on to future generations.
Walt Sellers says he doesn’t recall seeing it this bad. He should know, he operates a forestry and land management company in Ramer.
“The damage is going to wind up in the millions of dollars, statewide,” he said. “Most mills have stopped taking beetle damaged trees. So if you have pine stand that you were looking at getting say $30 a ton for timber, beetles move in and you may get $8 a ton for pulpwood.
From the Montgomery Advertiser: https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2017/09/12/tiny-pine-beetles-giant-scourge-alabamas-timber-industry/645784001/