Forestry Department

Introduction / Overview: Clarifying the Role of the Forestry Department in Butler, AL

For residents and visitors of Choctaw County, the name Forestry Department at the address 1715 E Pushmataha St, Butler, AL 36904, may suggest a direct public access point for outdoor activities like camping. However, it is essential for local users in Alabama to understand the true function of this facility. This location serves as an official Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) office—a critical regional hub dedicated to the protection and sustainable management of Alabama’s vast forest resources, not a public-use campground or recreational site.

The primary mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is centered on safeguarding the state’s forests from threats like wildfire, insects, and disease. This office is staffed by dedicated Forest Rangers and management specialists who assist private landowners with forest management plans, prescribed burning initiatives, and ensuring adherence to best management practices. While their work is deeply connected to the beautiful natural areas that contain campgrounds, this particular address on Pushmataha Street is an administrative and operational base, not a leisure destination. We must caution potential visitors, as local feedback confirms that attempting to camp or access recreational facilities at this government office could be mistaken for trespassing.

For Alabamians seeking camping and outdoor experiences, the staff at the Butler AFC office are invaluable resources for regional information and can direct you to nearby public lands, State Parks, and National Forests where designated, legal camping opportunities are available. Understanding the difference between the AFC’s administrative sites and official public recreation areas is the first step toward a safe and successful outdoor trip in West Alabama.

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Location and Accessibility: A Regional Operational Hub in Butler

The Forestry Department office is strategically located in Butler, the county seat of Choctaw County, a region heavily reliant on forestry and natural resources. The precise location is 1715 E Pushmataha St, Butler, AL 36904, USA. This position ensures quick access for forestry personnel responding to incidents like wildfires across the county and provides a central location for landowners to consult with foresters.

Being located on East Pushmataha Street, the site is highly accessible within the town of Butler itself, typically utilizing paved roads. However, this ease of access is intended for official and administrative purposes, such as truck maintenance, supply storage, and staff deployment. It is not designed for public parking of RVs or the setup of camping tents. Visitors should recognize the location as a functional government office and not attempt to venture beyond designated public entry points. For those traveling in West Alabama, the location is a useful reference point for official information regarding burn permits, local forest health, and regional timber management concerns, placing a crucial state resource within easy reach of the community it serves.

If you are traveling through the 36904 area looking for camping, you will need to redirect your search to established public camping sites, such as nearby US Army Corps of Engineers facilities, State Parks, or privately managed campgrounds, which are generally located further away from the city center.

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Services Offered by the Forestry Department (AFC)

Since this is an administrative office and not a campground, the "services offered" are related to forest management and landowner support, which are vital to the health of the natural areas where Alabamians *do* camp.

• Wildfire Protection and Suppression: The primary service is coordinating the detection and suppression of wildfires across Choctaw County, utilizing local crews and equipment.
• Landowner Assistance: Providing technical assistance, consulting services, and educational resources to private forest landowners regarding management plans, thinning, and timber quality.
• Prescribed Burning Coordination: Issuing burn permits and offering guidance on safely conducting prescribed burns to manage fire risk and promote forest health.
• Forest Health Monitoring: Conducting surveys and monitoring for invasive species, insects, and tree diseases that threaten Alabama’s forests.
• Disaster Response Support: Assisting with emergency response efforts following natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, including clearing roads and assessing forest damage.
• Public Education: Offering educational programs and literature on the importance of forestry and conservation to the state’s economy and environment.

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Features / Highlights of Local Public Recreation (AFC-Supported)

The true "highlight" of the Forestry Department's work is the preservation of the forest resources that allow for Alabama’s excellent public camping spots. While the office itself has no recreational features, the AFC enables these regional opportunities:

• Healthy Forest Base: The AFC’s commitment to sustainable forest management ensures the natural beauty and ecosystem health of the nearby State Forests and National Forests where camping takes place.
• Access to Wildlife Areas: The maintenance of forest resources supports Alabama’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), providing opportunities for hunting, hiking, and primitive camping in managed public areas.
• Fire Safety: The presence of the AFC provides local knowledge and enforcement of fire safety, reducing the risk of devastating wildfires and protecting campgrounds and natural habitats.
• Regional Camping Proximity: This region is close to established, accessible camping areas, including Bladon Springs State Park and US Army Corps of Engineers facilities on the Tombigbee River, all of which benefit from the AFC’s resource management.

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Contact Information

Please use this contact information for inquiries related to forest management, landowner services, fire permits, or seeking directions to nearby, legal camping areas in the region. Do not visit this address expecting public camping facilities.

• Address: 1715 E Pushmataha St, Butler, AL 36904, USA
• Phone (AFC Office): (205) 459-5828
• Phone (Alternate/Mobile): +1 205-459-5828

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What is Worth Choosing this Information?

This information is worth choosing because it provides Alabama residents with a vital clarification: the Forestry Department office in Butler is a service center, not a public campground. This clear distinction is essential for preventing wasted time and potential issues with trespassing, as warned by a past visitor.

The true value for the local user lies in redirecting their search towards established, nearby recreational sites. Instead of attempting to camp at an administrative office, Alabamians can use the provided contact information to secure reliable guidance on the actual public lands managed by the AFC and other state and federal agencies in West Alabama, such as the numerous designated camping sites in the region. By providing the phone number and accurately describing the AFC's function (Protect, Manage, Educate), this article guides the user toward the official channels for enjoying Alabama's forest resources safely and legally. This is a much higher-value proposition than simply describing a non-existent amenity.