Following the recent purchase of 79 acres, nearly 200 acres of the Fort Morgan Peninsula are now part of the Alabama State Parks System.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) acquired 79 acres of undeveloped land near the Beach Club Resort. This adds to the land in Gulf Highlands that the state now owns, bringing the total acreage to nearly 200.
Officials say it is important to protect the undeveloped lands, given the recent growth of Baldwin County.
“The Fort Morgan Peninsula is a beautiful and ecologically important piece of Coastal Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR commissioner. “We have been intentional in acquiring and protecting much of the remaining undeveloped habitat in this highly valuable area. When all the acquisition acres are combined, the collective positive impact is phenomenal.”
The acquisition was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund and Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds.
The ADCNR will allow public access to the properties, manage habitats and protect the dune systems. Sea turtles, shorebirds, migratory birds and the endangered Alabama beach mouse will be permanently protected.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also manages parcels acquired previously with Alabama Deepwater Horizon oil spill funds. Those parcels are now part of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
“Following the tragedy of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Alabama has made prudent and thoughtful investments in significant projects that enhance and protect species and habitats affected by the spill,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “We deeply appreciate the leadership of Governor [Kay] Ivey and Commissioner Blankenship and the partnership with numerous project implementers in these efforts, which will have long-term benefits for both the natural resources and citizens of the state of Alabama.”
In total, ADCNR and its partners have acquired over 1,600 acres on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, using more than $77 million in Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Restoration funding.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
