Alabama Administrative Code Title 371 - ALABAMA FOREVER WILD LAND TRUST
Title 371 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust. This Trust is a critical program in Alabama focused on acquiring, managing, and preserving lands and waters that are of significant environmental or recreational importance for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Forever Wild Land Trust was established by a constitutional amendment (Amendment 543 to the Alabama Constitution of 1901) in 1992, and its funding was later extended through a ballot measure in 2012. It receives its funding primarily from the interest earned on natural gas royalties, not from general taxpayer money.
The main aspects and regulations covered by Title 371 (specifically Chapter 371-X-1 - ALABAMA FOREVER WILD BOARD REGULATIONS) include:
Organization and Procedures of the Board:
Board of Trustees: The administrative code outlines the structure and operation of the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust Board of Trustees. This includes provisions for how the Board conducts its meetings, establishes a quorum, and makes decisions.
Executive Sessions: Rules related to the Board's ability to hold executive sessions, particularly when necessary to accomplish the purposes of the constitutional amendment without thwarting public disclosure. This ensures transparency while allowing for sensitive discussions.
Acquisition of Lands:
While the detailed procedures for land acquisition are often operational, the rules set the framework for the types of lands that can be acquired. These typically include lands for:
Nature Preserves: Protecting unique ecological, biological, and geological areas.
Recreational Areas: Providing opportunities for public recreation such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Expanding and enhancing habitat for wildlife.
State Parks: Adding to existing park systems.
The Trust can only acquire lands from willing sellers at fair market value.
The title to all properties acquired by the Forever Wild Land Trust is vested in the Alabama Trust Fund on behalf of the State of Alabama.
Management and Use of Lands:
The rules generally empower the Board and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (which often serves as the lead management agency) to manage these lands to protect their natural character and provide public access.
Public Access and Activities: While specific rules for activities like hunting, fishing, and camping on individual Forever Wild tracts are often detailed in separate publications (like hunting regulations from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, or State Lands Division), the administrative code sets the overarching authority for regulating these activities.
Prohibited Activities: The rules may outline general prohibitions or restrictions on certain activities (e.g., unauthorized vehicular traffic, damaging vegetation, littering) to ensure the preservation of the land.
Funding and Financial Management:
The administrative code implicitly references the funding mechanism (interest from natural gas royalties) and the general principles for how the funds are to be used, primarily for land acquisition and management.
It generally prohibits the use of funds for constructing or improving buildings, structures, or facilities for human lodging, feeding, or entertainment.
Where to find Alabama Administrative Code Title 371:
Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust Website (Outdoor Alabama): The official website for the Forever Wild Land Trust, often found under the "Outdoor Alabama" umbrella of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This site provides an overview of the program, acquired lands, and links to relevant regulations, especially those concerning public use (like hunting regulations).
Alabama Legislature - Administrative Code: This is the official repository for the Alabama Administrative Code. You can browse by Title and Chapter.
Justia Regulations: Provides a user-friendly, navigable version of the Administrative Code.
Cornell Law School - Legal Information Institute (LII): Another excellent resource for accessing state regulations.
The Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust is a highly popular and successful program, and its administrative rules ensure its proper governance and the continued protection of Alabama's natural heritage.
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