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The annual meeting of the Pike County Chapter of the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Thursday at First Baptist Church in Troy honored the memory of John Dorrill II.

Dorrill was a charter member of the Pike County TREASURE Forest Chapter and served as Alabama TREASURE Forest Association president and Alabama Forestry Council president.

The Pike County Chapter established a scholarship fund in Dorrill’s memory.

Jeff Knotts, chapter president, presented a plaque to Carol Dorrill, in honor of her husband’s contributions to the Pike County TREASURE Forest Chapter.

William Green, ATFA executive director, expressed his appreciation to the Pike County TREASURE Forest Chapter, which he said is one of the largest and most active in the state.

Green said funds donated to the memorial fund for Dorrill secured the scholarship fund. The scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University.

Deborah Huggins-Davis, educational committee chairman, recognized Gene and Jana Renfroe for their continuing interest in and support of the forest education program in Pike County.

The Renfroes make their preservation available for the annual Classroom in the Forest program. All fifth-grade students in Pike County have an opportunity to spend a day in the forest and learn about forest and pond management, wildfires, tree identification and the wildlife that inhabits the woodlands.

Huggins-Davis also highlight other programs of the Pike County TREASURE Forest Chapter, including the annual tree giveaway, Forestry Field Day and Take a Kid Fishing Day.

Bence Carter, ACES-Regional Extension Agent said Forestry Field Day at the Renfro Preservation provided a tour of the farm with trailer stops at different areas including the multi-use recovery area, green tree reservoir and the wildlife habitat area.

Darci Debrunner, Alabama Forestry Commission stewardship coordinator, shared information regarding the landowner’s responsibility to good stewardship and its benefits to the public and future generations.

Dr. Adam Maggard, Auburn University, extension specialist, said Alabama is in good shape as for as its forests are concerned. The market is good for hardwoods due to a strong housing market and a strong economy. He said there is a huge supply of softwood that is the result of 10 years of low harvest.

Maggard said more lumber mills are coming to the state and cross laminated timber is entering the market while pulpwood is in a decline due to the declining use of writing paper and newsprint. However, there is an increasing need for paperboard packaging products.

Walter and Jackie Meggison received AFC Stewardship Recognition and Tree Farm Certification for their forest land. AFC Stewardship Recognition is designed to increase public awareness about wise forest use and management. Tree Farm Certification implies continual stewardship and production of goods year after year. Biodiversity is an important component of a Certified Tree Farm.

Jeff Knotts, chapter president, was recognized for his outstanding leadership throughout the 2019 year and received a plaque in appreciation for his dedication and service. Knotts passed the gavel to Jessica Ascort-Williams who expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve. Deborah Huggins-Davis, will serve the chapter as vice president. Bill Weston will assume the office of secretary/treasurer.