Timber and the Economy of Alabama
Alabama's first residents called themselves "the thicket clearers," or "AlaBamas." The forest, once viewed as an impediment to agriculture, is now recognized as the backbone of the state economy. Trees from the forest feed an industry that directly employs more than 49,000 workers, indirectly provides employment for thousands more, and is the leading contributor to the gross state product.
The link address is: http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0602/