Alabama Right-to-Farm and Forestry Tree Cutting Protections

Under Ala. Code §§ 9-13-1 et seq. and the Alabama Right-to-Farm Act (Ala. Code §§ 6-5-127 and 11-52-100), bona fide forestry and silvicultural operations on land outside platted municipal corporate limits enjoy statewide protection. The Alabama Forestry Commission (§ 9-3-1 et seq.) sets best management practices for timber harvest, road construction, and stream crossings under the Alabama Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality. Municipal tree-cutting bans cannot be applied to commercial silviculture meeting BMP standards on qualifying parcels. Within municipal limits, however, cities retain authority to require permits for street trees and ornamental tree removal on private lots.

Timber operators violating BMPs may receive correction orders from the Alabama Forestry Commission. Local ordinances that block protected forestry operations are subject to invalidation as preempted.