Forever Wild Under Attack AGAIN!
With the introduction of House Bill 362, our state's public lands are at once again at risk. Ask the House State Government Committee to vote NO on HB 362.
HB 362 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require the Forever Wild Land Trust to pay counties for any lost property taxes on lands purchased through the program. HB 362 starts the clock on the end of future Forever Wild purchases. With each additional acquisition, more taxes are owed, and less funding is available to purchase additional lands for public hunting, fishing and recreation. This is the same bill that was introduced in 2017 and was defeated due to public opposition.
There is a misconception that Forever Wild has a special provision exempting it from property taxes. All state-owned lands—from the Governor’s Mansion and State House, to lands in the state-owned university system—are exempt from property taxes. This bill unfairly targets a program that provides valuable economic benefits to our state. (A recent Return on Investment study shows that for every $1 invested to purchase lands, $5 is returned to the state in goods and services.)
Forever Wild was overwhelmingly supported when introduced in 1992 with 83% of the vote and reauthorized in 2012 by 75% of voters. The people of Alabama have spoken out again and again in favor of this program. How many times do we have to send the message to our elected officials that the voters of Alabama support public lands for recreation and hunting?
Please tell your elected officials: Vote NO on HB 362!
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Outings
Hike Ratings
Easy - Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.
Moderate - 5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes or rough trail (rock hopping), or trail obstacles such as creek crossings.
Strenuous - Over 10 miles, substantial elevation change, rocky, obstructed or nonexistent trail.
Exploratory - any event where the leader has not experienced the event; may fit any class above.
Note. Participants of Sierra Club outings are required to sign a waiver.
Sunday, February 11 - The Annual Mountain Mist Marathon Hike Part I: Monte Sano State Park. Strenuous.
This will be a 12-16 mile hike. In mid-winter, after the dead leaves on the ground have been flattened, as many as 500 registered runners embark on a 31-mile run over a rugged, up and down, muddy, sometimes icy or snowy trails between Monte Sano State Park and the Land Trust property in the Mountain Mist Marathon. We will follow their path at a slower pace. To avoid flashlight use and total exhaustion, we’ve divided their one-day event into two 12-16 mile hikes with some modifications. Because of shorter daylight hours, it will be important to maintain a moderate pace. There’s the potential of mud wallowing, ice, slimy rocks, and stream crossings. This hike is not for the meek of feet. Bring plenty of snacks, lunch and water. Dress for the weather, wear hiking boots, and bring a few bucks for the State Park’s entry fee. Hiking poles are recommended but not required. We will start the hike at 7:30am sharp from the Hiker’s Parking lot in Monte Sano State Park. For more info, contact Charlie at charlie.cohen@att.net or 256-361-3837. Rain cancels.
Saturday, February 17 - The Annual Mountain Mist Marathon Hike Part II: the Land Trust Side. Strenuous.
This will be a 12-16 mile hike. We’ll complete the trail series of the Mountain Mist Marathon Run, (see February 11 hike), on the Monte Sano State Park side. Although we may have a few more minutes of daylight on the trail, we will still need to maintain a moderate pace to avoid flashlight use. Again, this is not for the meek of feet. Bring plenty of snacks, lunch and water. Dress for the weather, wear hiking boots, and bring a few bucks for the State Park’s entry fee. Hiking poles are recommended but optional. We will start the hike at 7:30am sharp from the Hiker’s Parking lot in Monte Sano State Park. For more info, contact Charlie at charlie.cohen@att.net or 256-361-3837. Rain cancels.
Saturday, February 24 - Monte Sano Hike. Moderate.
Enjoy the winter weather on Huntsville’s jewel. We will explore trails in the State Park. Dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the park entrance. Meet at the Hikers Parking Lot at 8:30am; the hike leaves at 9:00 am sharp. Leashed dogs welcome. Rain Cancels this hike. Questions, contact Patricia at pwales77@gmail.com
Saturday, March 3 - Hiking 101 Class and Hike. Easy.
Are you interested in hiking but not sure where to start? Join us for this Hikers’ 101 Basic Hiking event. We will start with a brief talk about how to get started hiking. We will talk about equipment needed and what to expect on a hike. We will then talk about some of the local hiking opportunities and about some training plans to get in shape so you can tackle some of the tougher hikes. After the talk we will hike on the Land Trust’s Jewel in Madison, Rainbow Mountain. It will be about a 3-mile hike with some limited elevation gain. You should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and bring at least 1 liter of water. You may also want to bring some snacks, walking stick/trekking poles, sunscreen, bug spray, a camera, and maybe some friends. Dress for the weather. Dogs on leashes who like hiking are welcome. Meet at 10:00am near the Rainbow Mountain Trailhead at the picnic pavilion. 201 Stoneway Trail, Madison, AL 35758. Any questions email Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Saturday, March 3 - Off-Trail Tennessee Hike. Strenuous.
The Sierra Club will join with the Tennessee Trails Association for a 6-7 mile strenuous, off-trail hike, to see caves, waterfalls and views. Bring lunch and water. For possible short cave excursions you should bring 2 sources of light. Meet at 8:30am at the Publix on Winchester Road, near the McDonald’s. For more information, contact Charlie at charlie.cohen@att.net or 256-361-3837.