Yellowhammer Times

The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has approved legislation introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) to expand the Talladega National Forest in East Alabama. The Talladega National Forest Expansion Act, which was included in a package of U.S. Forest Service lands bills, would increase the forest's proclamation boundary by about 50,000 acres across three counties.

Senator Tuberville said, "As Alabama continues to grow, citizens need access to safe and reliable hiking trails and outdoor spaces to encourage wellness and improved health. I am proud to lead this legislation to promote both tourism and conservation efforts for all Alabamians."

If enacted, the bill would authorize the U.S. Forest Service to purchase land from willing sellers within the expanded boundary. This move is intended to support local economies and advance conservation in the region. The expansion would also enhance Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail System by allowing for additional land acquisition, which could help eliminate existing gaps in the trail.

The Talladega National Forest was created in 1936 and currently has two divisions: Oakmulgee and Talladega. The Talladega Division’s current proclamation covers 400,000 acres, with about half owned by the federal government. Since its founding, the forest’s boundaries have been adjusted nine times, most recently through the 1990 Farm Bill.

The Pinhoti Trail is Alabama’s longest hiking trail but currently includes a 15-mile stretch where hikers must walk along roads rather than dedicated trails. The proposed expansion would allow these sections to be converted into off-road trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service, improving safety and maintenance for hikers.

Senator Tuberville serves on several Senate committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging.