A River Running Through A Forest — Thompson Creek within the Sipsey Wilderness. (Maggie Johnston)

Fifty years after it was first created, Alabama’s Sipsey Wilderness is now complete thanks to a recent 40-acre addition to the historic wilderness area.

The completion of the Sipsey Wilderness was announced today by The Conservation Fund, the group that led the effort to acquire the last remaining inholding within the Sipsey Wilderness area boundary.

The purchase of the land was made possible by the federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The Sipsey Wilderness was established in 1975 when it was signed into law by President Gerald Ford. In 1988, Congress expanded the Sipsey Wilderness and created the Sipsey Fork National Wild and Scenic River.

Why purchasing the new Sipsey addition matters

A Map Of A Trail — Map showing where the new Sipsey Wilderness addition was purchased. (Maggie Johnston)

The new 40-acre addition is located on Thompson Creek within the Sipsey Wilderness.

Below is a description by The Conservation Fund about why the purchase of this land is significant.

“Local hikers have traversed this parcel via the Thompson Creek Trail for decades under private ownership. But despite the handshake agreement that allowed hikers to access the property, it could have been closed to the public without notice.

This purchase ensures that it is now part of the Sipsey Wilderness, under management by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Bankhead National Forest, for the good of the American public.”

Longtime Congressman Robert Aderholt added:

“The Sipsey Wilderness is one of the most treasured natural areas in Alabama, and I am proud that it lies within the Fourth Congressional District. Completing the protection of this final piece along Thompson Creek ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy hiking, hunting, and the incredible natural beauty of this special place.”

Historical significance of the Sipsey Wilderness

Sipsey Wilderness 2 Wild Alabama E1736355228878 Sipsey Wilderness — The Sipsey Wilderness (The Bama Buzz)

Along with being one of the most ecologically important and special places in Alabama, the Sipsey Wilderness campaign that was launched more than 50 years ago ignited the national Eastern Wilderness movement. When the Eastern Wilderness Act was passed in 1975, it not only established the Sipsey Wilderness, but it also added 15 wilderness areas in the eastern U.S.

Today, there are between 2- 3 million acres of designated wilderness areas in the East.

Mike Leonard, senior advisor to The Conservation Fund, an advocate for the Sipsey Wilderness since the early 1980s, noted the historical significance of the completion of the iconic Sipsey Wilderness, especially on its 50th Anniversary.

“I’m thrilled for all the wilderness champions over the years like Mary Burks, Elberta Reid, John Randolph, Rep. Ronnie Flippo and others who worked so hard to create this wilderness.

Big conservation wins like the Sipsey Wilderness take vision and tenacity.”