Governor Riley Announces Protection of 4,000 Acres in Baldwin County

“Alabamians love and appreciate the outdoors and they want it protected,” said Governor Riley. “This important conservation action will protect and preserve this area for the enjoyment of all outdoor enthusiasts as well as future generations. Everyone, from hunters and fishermen to hikers and bird watchers, will benefit and be able to forever enjoy the beauty of this unique land.”

The tract of land contains pitcher plant bogs and tree species such as longleaf pine, bald cypress and Atlantic white cedar. In addition, the area provides crucial habitat for species such as the black bear, gopher tortoise and many neo-tropical birds.

Forever Wild provided $2.8 million toward the purchase of the land. The remaining $1.9 million comes from federal Forest Legacy funding through the efforts of Senator Richard Shelby. Alabama’s other congressional representatives, including Senator Jeff Sessions and Congressman Jo Bonner, supported the funding.

“This is a tremendous step that protects the largest and most ecologically significant ‘black’ water system found entirely in Alabama,” said Alabama Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley.

is termed “black” because it is stained by tannic acid found in trees and plants that grow along the riverbanks.

accomplish this purchase we had to have a willing seller, and we are thankful that International Paper chose to partner with us to make sure this area is protected through conservation. We appreciate them as well as our congressional leaders who made this possible,” Barnett said.

the Forever Wild program began in 1992, it has purchased 48 tracts of land in Alabama that total more than 110,000 acres. This latest purchase along the Perdido River complements land acquisitions that Florida has made on the other side of the river and is part of an ongoing multi-state conservation effort to protect black water areas.

national Forest Legacy program supports state efforts to protect environmentally sensitive forestlands. In Alabama, the program is administered by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service in cooperation with the Alabama Forestry Commission. The State Lands Division holds title to properties purchased and manages them for public use according to the Forever Wild model.

In the last five years, Alabama has received $27.5 million from federal land acquisition programs, including approximately $8 million from the Forest Legacy Program. In each instance, these federal funds are required to be matched. This match has been achieved in Alabama through the State Lands Division and Forever Wild.

The Forever Wild Program is funded by a percentage of the interest earned from state royalties on offshore natural gas leases belonging to Alabama. With federal programs like Forest Legacy, grants are usually matched by Forever Wild state funds, which significantly increase their purchasing power.

According to State Lands Assistant Director Greg Lein, Alabama’s ability to match federal funds such as those through the Forest Legacy Program is what makes Forever Wild so valuable.

“The state is able to purchase much more land because of these grants than it would on its own,” he said.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.