Tuberville, Rogers Introduce Bill to Expand Talladega National Forest by 50,000 Acres
Bill would expand Forest in Clay, Coosa and Talladega Counties
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL3) have introduced the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act, to increase the forest’s proclamation boundary by 50,000 acres across Clay, Coosa, and Talladega counties in East Alabama.
The bill grants the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) authority to purchase land from willing sellers within the expanded boundary. Supporters say the expansion would enhance conservation efforts, bolster the region’s outdoor recreation industry, and stimulate local economies.
The proposed expansion would complete the southern section of the Pinhoti Trail, Alabama’s premier long-distance hiking trail. Currently, the trail is interrupted by 15 miles of road walking. The additional acreage would allow for the completion of continuous off-road paths, improving both safety and trail access.
“The Talladega National Forest is one of many reasons to visit Alabama,” said Sen. Tuberville. “From beaches to mountains to forests to lakes, we truly have it all in our state. But we have to make sure we take the right steps to conserve our resources. By expanding the proclamation boundary, we will boost tourism in surrounding towns and keep the forest beautiful for years to come. I’m thankful to be working with Rep. Rogers to expand the Forest’s boundaries and ensure continued economic and agricultural prosperity in our great state.”
“I was glad to join Coach Tuberville in this effort to allow the expansion of the boundary of the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres,” said Rep. Rogers. “The proposed expansion to complete the southern portion of the Pinhoti Trail will provide a large boost to our local outdoor tourism industry. I was glad to work closely with our local leaders on this legislation and am hopeful to see an undivided Pinhoti Trail in the near future.”
“The Alabama Trails Foundation applauds the leadership of Senator Tuberville and Congressman Rogers in introducing this important legislation,” said Paul DeMarco, President, Alabama Trails Foundation. “The expansion of the Talladega National Forest represents a legacy of commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation. It lays the foundation for making the Pinhoti Trail an even more popular destination and positions east Alabama to continue growing an outdoor recreation economy into a powerhouse that spotlights the importance of Alabama’s natural resources.”
The legislation has been endorsed by the Talladega, Coosa, and Clay County Commissions, as well as the Alabama Trails Foundation.
The Talladega National Forest was established in 1936 and currently spans a 400,000-acre proclamation area, of which 200,000 acres are federally owned. The forest’s boundaries have been modified nine times since its creation, most recently through the 1990 Farm Bill.
