'We truly have it all in our state': Sen. Tuberville proposes act to expand Talladega National Forest
Video above: Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville on helping farmers with the Acre Act
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., introduced the in the House of Representatives this Tuesday.
Tuberville and Rogers' bill would expand the of the national forest through three different East Alabama counties by approximately 50,000 acres. The expansion would reach into Clay, Coosa and Talladega counties.
The act would also give the U.S. Forest Service the ability to purchase land from willing sellers.
, which stretches across the Alabama-Georgia border, would also be greatly impacted by the bill. It would be further expanded and protected by the legislation.
Rogers said that there is currently a 15-mile gap in the trail, where hikers are forced to switch to walking on roads. This extension would allow the gap to be filled in with trail.
Paul DeMarco, president of the , said the bill "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鈥檚 natural resources.鈥�
Tuberville said that this expansion is not only a step in conserving resources, but boosting tourism and maintaining Alabama's natural beauty.
鈥淔rom beaches to mountains to forests to lakes, we truly have it all in our state," Tuberville said. "I鈥檓 thankful to be working with Rep. Rogers to expand the Forest鈥檚 boundaries and ensure continued economic and agricultural prosperity in our great state.鈥�
The Talladega County Commission, Coosa County Commission, Clay County Commission, and Alabama Trails Foundation have all endorsed this act.
Video below: DOGE cuts threaten summer fun and cleanliness at U.S. National Parks