Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall
New 1,400+ acre Talladega National Forest addition protects wildlife + scenic views
Reading time: 3 minutes
The Talladega National Forest is adding 1,446 acres along its southern boundary in Clay County, protecting wildlife habitat and scenic views from the Pinhoti Trail, a southern extension of the Appalachian Trail.
The newly acquired land does the following, according to the Conservation Fund, the group that helped make the expansion possible:
- Fills critical gaps in the forest
- Improves landscape connectivity
- Supports more effective, unified land management across the region
- Enhances the highly popular Hollins Wildlife Management Area, known for its deer and turkey hunting opportunities
The property has been given to the U.S. Forest Service and incorporated into Talladega National Forest, where it will be managed in part through the Hollins Wildlife Management Area.
How the Talladega National Forest expansion was funded
Funding for the 1,446-acre acquisition came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which was permanently funded with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2020.
Alabama’s elected officials, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Sen. Katie Britt and Rep. Mike Rogers, played a critical role securing LWCF funding and expanding the Talladega National Forest.
“I am excited to see this new expansion of the Talladega National Forest. This acquisition will protect the scenic views of the Pinhoti Trail, create more access, and more opportunities for hunters in the area.”
“This will provide a large boost to outdoor tourism in Clay County and the surrounding areas. I am always committed to preserving Alabama’s natural treasures in Congress, and I look forward to visiting the new portion of the Talladega National Forest.”
Rep. Mike Rogers
Past Alabama Federal LWCF acquisition projects include:
- Little River Canyon National Preserve — Used to create the National Park
- Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge — Preserving the largest stands of Cahaba lilies
- Sipsey Wilderness — Acquired critical inholdings protecting Alabama’s largest wilderness area
In addition to LWCF funding, the Conservation Fund was assisted on the project by a generous donation from Fred and Alice Stanback.
“By completing a key piece of the forest boundary, we have improved habitat connectivity and ensured that hunters, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy these lands for generations to come.”
Stacy Funderburke, vice president of the central-southeast region at The Conservation Fund
Have you visited the Talladega National Forest in East Alabama? Tell us your favorite memory on social media by tagging us @thebamabuzz.
