U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-Saks) have introduced legislation that would expand the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres across three East Alabama counties, aiming to enhance conservation efforts and outdoor recreation while boosting local tourism economies.
The Talladega National Forest Expansion Act would give the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) authority to purchase land from willing sellers in Talladega, Coosa, and Clay counties. The legislation aims to strengthen Alabama’s growing outdoor recreation economy, improve forest conservation, and enhance popular hiking routes, such as the Pinhoti Trail System, Alabama’s longest-distance trail.
“The Talladega National Forest is one of many reasons to visit Alabama,” said 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,” added 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, along with the county commissions of Talladega, Coosa, and Clay, has endorsed the legislation. The proposed boundary expansion would allow the USFS to acquire currently inaccessible land, improve trail maintenance, and convert approximately 15 miles of disconnected road walks on the Pinhoti Trail into safe, continuous off-road paths.
“The Alabama Trails Foundation applauds the leadership of Senator Tuberville and Congressman Rogers in introducing this important legislation,” said Paul DeMarco, President of the 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 Talladega National Forest was originally established in 1936 with two distinct divisions—Oakmulgee and Talladega. The Talladega Division currently spans a 400,000-acre proclamation boundary, with roughly 200,000 acres under federal ownership. The boundaries of the forest have been adjusted nine times since its founding, most recently in the 1990 Farm Bill.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
