One thing I love about Alabama is how many of us grew up playing in the woods. Whether we like to hunt or walk dogs, watch birds or ride bikes, we can all agree that Alabama is one of the prettiest places on God’s green earth.

Twenty years ago, Alabama voters overwhelmingly approved Forever Wild. This program takes part of our oil and gas proceeds and re-invests them in land. This investment protects wild areas for future generations as it pays us dividends now.

Forever Wild’s lands are made available to the public for horseback riding, camping, canoeing, fishing, dog field trials, hiking, mountain biking, hunting and wildlife viewing. Many of the parcels also protect public drinking water sources.

Forever Wild purchased 4,083 acres for the Coldwater Mountain bike trail, which is already receiving international acclaim. Forever Wild acquired 594 acres on Indian Mountain in Cherokee County to connect our Pinhoti Trail to the Appalachian Trail. These investments bring more than a million dollars annually to our local economy.

Vote yes on Amendment 1 to continue the Forever Wild land trust. Let’s keep Alabama wild and beautiful.

Susan Di Biase
Jacksonville