EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 12

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama was hit by recent thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes on April 15, 2011 and again on April 27, 2011, and continues in its efforts to recover from this disaster;

WHEREAS, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, did declare a state of emergency, pursuant to Ala. Code § 31-9-8 (1975 as amended), in the State of Alabama as a result thereof;

WHEREAS, forest landowners in the State of Alabama incurred severe loss of timber  volume and value as a result of these storms;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to facilitate salvage efforts to maximize the recovery of timber damaged by these storms and limit the loss of timber volume and value to forest landowners; and,

WHEREAS, the affected landowners will need advice and assistance in reforesting the areas affected by these storms.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, do hereby establish the Alabama Forest Recovery Task Force (AFRTF) to facilitate salvage efforts, to maximize the recovery of timber damaged by these storms and limit the loss of timber volume and value to forest landowners.

BE IT ORDERED that the AFRTF shall be made up of representatives of state departments and agencies and the private sector.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the AFRTF is hereby tasked with the following objectives:

1.  Move damaged timber as quickly as possible to wood using or storage facilities;
2.  Expand the market for damaged timber beyond wood utilizing facilities in the affected areas;
3.  Promote the development of long term wood storage facilities;
4.  Reduce any barriers to the safe, effective and economic harvest and transport of damaged timber;
5.  Communicate the challenges and successes of the timber salvage effort to landowners, wood using facilities, professional loggers and the public;
6.  Monitor and record salvage efforts;
7.  Assist and advise landowners regarding the reforestation of their affected land;
8.  Do all other things that I may ask of them relating in any way to the subject matters hereof.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that this Executive Order become effective May 5, 2011, and shall remain in effect until amended or modified by the Governor.

DONE AND ORDERED this 5th day of May, 2011.

Robert Bentley

Governor

Attested

Beth Chapman