HR246 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Richard Lindsey

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Paul DeMarco

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Appalachian Mountain Trail Commission, established,

Summary

Establishes the Alabama Appalachian Mountain Trail Commission to plan, promote, and possibly extend the Appalachian Trail into Alabama via the Pinhoti Trail, with a southern terminus at Weogufka State Forest.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a six-member commission with appointments from the Speaker, the Alabama Historical Commission, the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, plus one member at large. The commission would study linking the Pinhoti Trail to the Appalachian Trail and establish a southern terminus at Weogufka State Forest, potentially extending the Appalachian Trail into Alabama along the Pinhoti route. It would promote the trail, maintain existing segments, pursue land or easements, consider moving parts of the route to wooded trails where feasible, coordinate signage and maps, meet annually, and report to the Legislature by early 2011, after which the commission would be dissolved; compensation and travel reimbursements are defined and total expenditures are capped at $5,000.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents and outdoor enthusiasts, who may gain a linked and promoted Appalachian Trail segment extending into Alabama with improved signage and access.
• Public landowners and state land managers (including Talladega National Forest, Cheaha State Park, and Forever Wild lands on Indian Mountain) who may be asked to provide land or easements and coordinate trail development.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Appalachian Mountain Trail Commission with six members: two legislative appointees by the Speaker, one from the Alabama Historical Commission, one from the Alabama Forestry Commission, one from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, plus one member-at-large, with a diverse membership.
• Authorizes the Commission to study and promote linking the Pinhoti Trail to the Appalachian Trail, establish the southern terminus at Weogufka State Forest, explore extending the Appalachian Trail into Alabama along the Pinhoti route, promote signage and state map markings, and pursue land and easement acquisitions for trail corridors.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative