Forever Wild Alabama

Vote “YES” on Amendment 1 to Continue Alabama’s Forever Wild Land Trust

Since its establishment by constitutional referendum in 1992, the Forever Wild Program has secured more than 227,000 acres with numerous opportunities being available for hunting.  At a time when finding places to hunt is becoming more and more difficult for many sportsmen, the acquisition of public hunting land is essential to the preservation of our hunting heritage.  Despite Alabama’s undeniable natural beauty, it still lags behind other southeastern states in the amount of accessible public conservation and hunting land.   The vast majority of funding for the Forever Wild Land Trust is generated by the interest earned from natural gas royalties, with no monies coming from the taxpayer.  Additionally, the trust may purchase lands only from willing sellers at fair market value.  

Sportsmen have benefited immensely from this critical program, opening up tens of thousands of acres teeming with wildlife.  At a time when finding places to hunt is more and more difficult for many sportsmen, the acquisition of public hunting land is essential to the preservation of our hunting heritage.  Specific language in the constitutional amendment designating that the lands acquired should provide for hunting opportunities.

Some of the issues at hand:

• Hunting – More than 96% of the land, including 17 Wildlife Management Areas, is open to some form of public hunting.  Because the majority of game species in Alabama exist on private property, the acquirement of public land under the Forever Wild program is necessary to provide the general public with access to affordable hunting.
• Funding – No taxpayer monies are used, as a large portion of funding comes from natural gas royalties. Another source of funding is the Forever Wild Land Trust state license plate. For $50 per year, Alabama drivers can purchase the tag, with $42.50 from each sale going toward supporting the program’s mission.

How to get involved:

• Visit our website at www.nraila.org/ForeverWildAL for more information.
• Become a “Fan” or “Like" “Forever Wild Alabama” (www.facebook.com/foreverwildal) on Facebook and encourage all your friends to do the same.
• Show your support by displaying a bumper sticker.
• Request a bumper sticker to show your support for Amendment 1 by contacting your Election Volunteer Coordinator by clicking here.
• Please encourage your friends, family, fellow gun owners, and hunters to join you in voting “YES” on Amendment 1 to continue the Forever Wild funding on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Vote “Yes” on Amendment 1 to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy Alabama’s great outdoors.