(Note from RT: If you look around, The Nature Conservancy its fingers in every level and every element of government: federal, state and local. They are running and ruining this county. Just a personal opinion.)

October 9, 2003

By Christy Coats, Staff Writer

http://www.theplainsman.com

To submit a Letter to the Editor: mail@theplainsman.com

The Nature Conservancy of Alabama and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service recently signed a formal agreement to work together to address issues that concern Alabama's national forests.

The two organizations will address issues such as attaining additional lands, protecting rare and important species, and environmental restoration.

"This partnership has been beneficial in the past, and it will continue to be beneficial," said Brian Owens, Forestry Club president.

Few people have heard about the agreement.

Jonas Traywick, Forestry Club vice president, said he and many of his professors were unaware of the joining of the two organizations.

All four of Alabama's National Forests have been acknowledged as conservation priorities and important biodiversity areas.

"Alabama is blessed with a great diversity of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) that needs to be conserved as our human population expands," said Jim Armstrong, Auburn associate professor and extension wildlife specialist.

According to a Nature Conservancy study conducted last year, Alabama ranked fourth in the United States for biological diversity.

Alabama's National Forests provide habitats for approximately 900 species of birds, mammals, fish and other animals, either as inhabitants or recurrent migrants.

The study also reported that Alabama ranked fourth in number of species in danger of extinction.

Armstrong said it is important to protect disappearing species.

"As we lose more and more habitat, we increase the decline of sensitive species and increase the potential for human-wildlife conflicts," Armstrong said.

Alabama's four national forests -- Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega and Tuskegee -- include more than 664,000 acres of public land.

These forests extend across parts of the Cumberland Plateau, the Appalachian Mountains, the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain.

Alabama's national forests serve as natural boundaries for many communities and contain energy sources such as oil, gas and coal.

The forests also provide many recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, scenic rides, boating and skiing.

The Nature Conservancy is an international nonprofit organization that has protected over 110,000 acres of natural land in Alabama -- together with 'conservation partners.' [like the United Nations]

The organization's purpose is to 'protect' the plants, animals and natural communities that signify the 'diversity of life' by protecting the lands and waters they need to live.

The Nature Conservancy of Alabama has been helping 'preserve' Alabama's wildlife and land for 13 years.

The USDA Forest Service manages Alabama's four national forests and makes sure that recreation and nature get along.

The service's major concern is for the protection and conservation of natural resources on pubic lands.

For more information about the USDA Forest Service visit www.fs.fed.us.

For more information about The Nature Conservancy of Alabama visit http://www.nature.org/alabama.

http://www.theplainsman.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/10/09/3f85b9d71796f

For a lot more information about the REAL TNC, visit the following websites:

http://www.PropertyRightsResearch.org/tncframes.htm

http://www.cowboysandcattlecountry.0catch.com