Press Release

Alabama State Parks Adds Forest Program Specialist

July 22, 2003

The State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently named Don Burdette, formerly with the State Lands Division, to the position of Forest Program Specialist with the Natural Resources Section.

Responsibilities of this new position include assisting in the evaluation and management of state park forest vegetation and monitoring forest health risks to individual trees or populations of trees on state park lands. Burdette will also help establish and supervise a field program to evaluate and improve park boundary lines and corners; assist in planning, scheduling, and implementing prescribed burns on state park lands; and collect appropriate field date to produce and maintain updated maps of state parks showing topography, boundaries, attractions, recreational facilities, trails, infrastructure, and forest/land management compartments.

Burdette graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.S. degree in Forestry, with emphasis on Wildlife Management. He has been employed by the State of Alabama for 24 years, serving 18 years with the Alabama Forestry Commission before transferring to the Conservation Department as State Lands Division Forester six years ago.

“We are happy to have such a highly qualified forester working with us,” said Carl Scardina, chief of the State Parks Natural Resources Section. “Don’s expertise will be invaluable in providing forest management information, training, and education as he works with parks field staff throughout the state.”

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