For more than three decades, timberland has been a cornerstone of the USA Foundation’s investment strategy, reflecting a disciplined philosophy grounded in patience, stewardship, and long-term value creation. What began with an initial gift of approximately 900 acres has grown into one of the Foundation’s most enduring and reliable assets, supporting the University’s mission through consistent performance and responsible management.
The Foundation owns and actively manages more than 77,500 acres of timberland, with approximately 10,000 acres located in North Mobile County and the remainder across central West Alabama and East Mississippi.
Unlike many institutional land holdings, these forests are managed internally, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to careful oversight, operational excellence, and long-term consistency.
This philosophy is captured in an informal guiding principle that has shaped the Foundation’s approach for decades — Stay the Course.
Through disciplined stewardship and thoughtful management, the Foundation has demonstrated how natural resources can serve both financial stability and generational impact.
Timberland has delivered strong, steady performance over time. The Foundation’s timber investments have produced more than $168 million in revenue from timber harvests alone, in addition to income generated through leases.
Today, the portfolio carries an estimated market value of approximately $181 million, representing 38.6% of the Foundation’s total net assets. Timber’s financial characteristics make it uniquely valuable within the broader investment portfolio. Much like a bond, timberland provides:
• Reliable income
• Steady appreciation
• Diversification from public equity markets
Because timber returns are not directly correlated with stock market performance, they help reduce volatility while generating consistent cash flow that supports University programs, faculty, and students.
Beyond financial performance, the Foundation’s timberland represents a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
In fiscal year 2025, the Foundation’s timber holdings received American Tree Farm Certification, a respected third-party designation recognizing adherence to best management practices in sustainable forestry.
This certification affirms the Foundation’s commitment to:
• Protecting natural ecosystems
• Supporting biodiversity
• Maintaining productive forests
• Preserving land resources for future generations
Through thoughtful stewardship, the Foundation ensures these lands remain both financially productive and environmentally responsible for decades to come.
The Foundation’s timberland investments illustrate the power of disciplined, long-term thinking.
Through careful management and strategic patience, these forests generate dependable income while preserving natural resources, strengthening the Foundation’s ability to support the University of South Alabama for generations to come.
For more information about the Foundation’s investment strategy and timberland stewardship, please contact:
Maxey Roberts
Managing Director
USA Foundation
