Stop the attack on Forever Wild in Alabama!

Forever Wild purchases and maintains public lands so that all Alabamians can hunt, hike, and enjoy the pristine, undeveloped natural beauty of our state. A recent return on investment study showed that for every $1 invested to purchase lands, $5 is returned to the state. In 2012, Alabama's Forever Wild Land Trust program was renewed for another 20 years by an overwhelming majority: 75% of the vote. But a shortsighted new bill threatens its future.

HB 362, proposed by Representative Mark Tuggle, 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. Just like last year, 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.

HB 362 just passed out of committee and will go to the Alabama House for a vote. If it passes that vote, it will go to the Alabama Senate for a vote which would seriously imperil Forever Wild’s future. The voters have spoken – Alabamians support public lands for hunting and fishing. How many times do we have to tell our elected officials to keep Alabama Forever Wild?

Take action by telling your Alabama legislators to stop the attack on Forever Wild!

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Defend Forever Wild! Vote NO on HB 362

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Vote NO on HB 362!

The voters have spoken, and they want Forever Wild. 
In 2012, Alabama's Forever Wild Land Trust program was renewed for another 20 years by an overwhelming majority - 75% of the vote. That's more than the previous three governors.

Dick Brewbaker was hear to say that voting against Forever Wild was "political suicide" and he would not do it.

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.
 
There is a misconception that Forever Wild has a special provision exempting it from property taxes. All state-owned lands are exempt from property taxes - from the Governor’s Mansion and State House, to lands in the state-owned university system. HB 362 unfairly targets a program proven to provide economic benefits to our state.

Forever Wild purchases and maintains public lands so that all Alabamians can hunt, hike, and enjoy the pristine, undeveloped natural beauty of our state. A recent Return on Investment study shows that for every $1 invested to purchase lands, $5 is returned to the state.

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