Alabama Trails Foundation applauds U.S. Senate Committee passage of Talladega National Forest Expansion Act
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Special to the News
The Alabama Trails Foundation (ATF) on Tuesday celebrated the passage of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Auburn) Talladega National Forest Expansion Act by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
The legislation, which was included in a larger package of U.S.D.A. Forest Service lands bills on Tuesday, is a significant step toward enhancing and protecting some of Alabama’s most vital outdoor resources.
The proposed expansion would add approximately 50,000 acres to the Talladega National Forest’s proclamation boundary across three East Alabama counties, including Coosa County. For the ATF, this expansion represents a critical opportunity to advance its mission of developing, protecting and stewarding Alabama’s trail systems.
A key benefit of the Act is the potential to transform the Pinhoti Trail. The Pinhoti, which is Alabama’s premier long-distance hiking trail, relies on the acquisition of land by the Forest Service from willing sellers to complete and protect several sections of the southern trail that currently include roadwalks.
The expanded boundary provides the necessary framework for the USFS to pursue these strategic acquisitions from willing sellers, ensuring a more cohesive, sustainable and enjoyable experience for hikers.
“This is a major win for Alabama’s outdoor community and a testament to the importance of public-private partnerships in conservation,” said Paul DeMarco, president of the Alabama Trails Foundation. “Sen. Tuberville’s legislation lays the groundwork for the future protection and expansion of trails like the Pinhoti. The Alabama Trails Foundation has advocated for this type of strategic land conservation to ensure that every Alabamian has access to safe and high-quality outdoor recreation. We are eager to work with the Forest Service and local partners to leverage this expansion for the betterment of our state’s trail network, which promotes economic development, health and time spent in Alabama’s beautiful outdoors.”
“As Alabama continues to grow, citizens need access to safe and reliable hiking trails and outdoor spaces to encourage wellness and improved health,” said Tuberville. “I am proud to lead this legislation to promote both tourism and conservation efforts for all Alabamians.”
The Alabama Trails Foundation will continue to support the swift passage of the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act into law and looks forward to collaborating with the USFS on the subsequent land acquisitions and trail development efforts. The ATF is appreciative of Tuberville and his dedicated staff for their hard work in shepherding this important piece of legislation to Alabama.
Background
The Talladega National Forest was established in 1936 with two distinct proclamation boundaries: the Oakmulgee Division and the Talladega Division. Currently, the Talladega Division has a proclamation covering 400,000 acres with roughly 200,000 acres under ownership by the U.S. government. Since its establishment, the proclaimed boundary of the Talladega National Forest has been adjusted nine times, most recently in the 1990 Farm Bill.
The Pinhoti Trail, part of the Talladega National Forest, is Alabama’s longest-distance hiking trail. Currently, the trail is interrupted by 15 miles of road walks between its southernmost portions. This legislation would allow those lands to be acquired by the USFS, improve trail maintenance efforts and improve hiker safety by transforming the 15 miles of road walks into off-road trails.
About the Alabama Trails Foundation: The ATF is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the development of Alabama’s outdoor recreation economy by assisting in the planning, development and maintenance of trails. Learn more at www.alabamatrailsfoundation.org.
