Linda Casey addressed Auburn Rotarians about her new role as the head of the Alabama State Forestry Commission. Casey recently retired from a career with International Paper, and began her new position in February. She explained that the mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is threefold: [1] to protect the state's forests against wildfires, insects, diseases and theft; [2] to sustain healthy forests; and [3] to educate the public on the importance of forestry in Alabama. For example, forestry related activities are the state's largest manufacturer and 78 percent of all Alabama forests are privately (non-industrial) owned.

Casey (center) with program chair Dick Brinker (right) and Bill Hutto (left)