Thanks to the support of many, the $223,000 needed to purchase a 91-acre property in Jackson County has been raised, protecting 2/3 mile of Paint Rock River frontage forever! As our region experiences growth, it is critical that we recognize spaces in need of protection and take action. Time and again, our community has stepped up at these moments and we are incredibly grateful!
During the last days of 2022, we officially closed on the purchase. Our sincere gratitude to all who contributed to make this acquisition possible as well as to sellers Curt Harrelson, Mike Deasy, and Kevin Deasy for offering this incredible property at a bargain sale price.
Why Protect It?
The Paint Rock River is known as one of the Southeast’s last free-flowing rivers and one of the most biologically diverse in the world with around 50 state- or federally-listed species found within the river and its tributaries. Land Trust of North Alabama can now purchase and protect a property in Jackson County, primarily lowland farmland, which includes approximately 2/3 mile of Paint Rock River frontage. The Paint Rock River Valley as a whole is incredibly important in terms of conservation value due to the high diversity of species, particularly aquatic and plant life, found there.
Future Plans: Health of the River & Surrounding Environment
A little over 23 acres of the 91-acre property are currently enrolled in a Riparian Forest Buffer program part of the Conservation Reserve Program administered by the Farm Service Agency, which means trees have been planted or preserved alongside the river to provide a buffer for erosion and runoff. In the short term, the Land Trust will maintain this buffer and agricultural use. Future plans for property management include an extensive wetland restoration project to restore the land to a more natural condition as a bottomland hardwood forest. This transition would conclude agricultural use of the property, which is only marginally productive due to regular flooding, and enhance habitat for wildlife and protection of the river corridor. As a conservation property, it will not be open to public access.
If you have questions about this land preservation effort, please contact us at questions@landtrustnal.org or 256-534-5263.