Images courtesy of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
preservation progress The Forever Wild Land Trust has acquired title to approximately 195,000 acres and secured public recreational access to more than an additional 60,000 acres of land pursuant to long-term lease agreements, equaling a total of approximately 255,000 acres.
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Why is Forever Wild important?
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How is Forever Wild Land Trust funded?
Chris Blakenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and executive secretary of the Forever Wild Board, explains the program’s purpose, how it is funded, the progress it has made and why it matters.
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Blakenship: Alabama is home to a rich diversity of natural areas having unique ecological systems, plant and animal life, geological formations and wildlife habitats that offer significant recreational opportunities for its citizens and visitors. The Forever Wild program provides funding for the state to acquire land from willing sellers for use as recreation areas, wildlife management areas, state parks and nature preserves. These tracts provide public access that is critical in supporting the natural heritage of Alabama which historically has been—and continues to be—closely tied to outdoor recreation. The program’s success has ensured that the public’s use and enjoyment of these state lands will continue for the benefit of future generations.
Blakenship: Funding for the Forever Wild Land Trust (Forever Wild) is generated by interest earned from royalties deposited into the Alabama Trust Fund (ATF) from offshore natural gas leases. Forever Wild receives 10 percent of interest earnings distributed to various ATF beneficiaries, capped at $15 million for any given year. Another source of funding is the Forever Wild Land Trust state license plate.
of the great outdoors 36
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