MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) estimates that Hurricane Isaias damaged more than 2.5 million tons of timber across southwest Alabama, resulting in preliminary losses exceeding $33.5 million.
The findings, released October 16, follow an initial aerial survey of areas hardest hit by the storm, including Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties.
AFC pilots conducted the survey on October 13, identifying a storm-damaged area approximately 36 miles long and up to seven miles wide. The assessment covered 154,783 acres, including 64,795 acres of forestland and 40,805 acres classified as woody wetlands.
Alabama State Forester Rick Oates acknowledged the financial impact on landowners, many of whom have invested decades in growing and managing timber.
“While we are thankful the damage was not as extensive as it could have been, these losses are still devastating for Alabama landowners,” Oates said. “Growing timber is a long-term investment, requiring decades of hard work, careful management and financial commitment. In a matter of hours, a storm can destroy what landowners have spent much of their lives building.”
The commission calculated its preliminary estimates using information from the most recent Forest Inventory and Analysis report, which provides data on Alabama’s timber resources. AFC personnel assist with collecting and compiling the information annually.
AFC Forest Health Coordinator Drew Metzler said the inventory data allows officials to compare existing timber resources with observed storm damage to estimate potential losses.
“Forest inventory data gives us a picture of Alabama’s timber resources long before a storm ever develops,” Metzler said. “By combining that information with what we’re seeing from the air, we can begin to understand the extent of the damage and put a dollar value on the losses.”
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on the evening of October 9, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. By 1 a.m. October 10, the storm’s center was approximately 55 miles south-southwest of Montgomery, with maximum sustained winds reduced to 65 mph.
In addition to conducting damage assessments, AFC personnel assisted emergency response operations in southwest Alabama. Crews helped distribute food, water and tarps to affected communities, while saw teams worked to clear nearly 100 miles of roads obstructed by storm debris.
The commission emphasized that the timber damage estimates remain preliminary. Additional ground surveys will be needed to verify the aerial findings and determine the full extent of the losses.
