Talladega Racing For Wildlife Project Completed

NASCAR favorites Ryan Newman and Bobby Allison join The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Forest Service and representatives of Alabama’s congressional delegation at Talladega Superspeedway to celebrate new recreational opportunities for race fans

 

October 30, 2009

Contact:

Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, (703) 908-5809; vvaughan@conservationfund.org

 

Talladega, AL — Today, The Conservation Fund joined NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, the U.S. Forest Service and representatives of Alabama’s congressional delegation to announce the completion of a Racing for Wildlife project that preserves more than 1,100 acres in the Talladega National Forest.

Racing for Wildlife unites the sports community with passionate land and water conservationists across the country. The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation launched the program in 2007 to begin building an American land legacy for generations of sports enthusiasts who share Newman’s love of the outdoors.

“For me, this is about giving back and finding a way to protect the land and ensure that years from now there will be some kid who can go out fishing with his grandfather just like I did 25 years ago,” said Newman, driver of the No. 39 U.S. Army/Haas Automation Chevrolet and member of the Stewart-Haas Racing team. “Any time that I get to spend outdoors, whether I’m fishing, camping or working outside is time that I really enjoy, and I hope that through the work our Foundation and our partners are doing, we can ensure that other outdoorsman and NASCAR fans get that same enjoyment for years to come.”

This Racing for Wildlife project, located just a short drive from Talladega Superspeedway within the Talladega National Forest, protects the eight-mile crest of Rebecca Mountain, a major ridge in the Appalachian Mountains, and allows the U.S. Forest Service to complete a portion of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects Rebecca Mountain to the popular Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia. The property will be open to visitors for hiking, camping and recreation.

“The Racing for Wildlife Project is a wonderful example of communities coming together to promote the sustainability of our natural resources," said Miera C. Nagy, USDA Forest Service supervisor for Alabama's national forests. “The new addition will allow the Pinhoti Trail to now stretch across the Appalachian Mountains, connecting people to some of the most spectacular landscapes for exercise, adventure and solitude.”

Alabama’s congressional delegation, led by Sen. Richard Shelby, Sen. Jeff Sessions and Rep. Mike Rogers, secured key federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund that the U.S. Forest Service used to purchase the property. Additional funding for the purchase came from an anonymous private donor.

“Alabama’s national forests offer beautiful views and are home to diverse species of wildlife that are enjoyed year round by visitors from Alabama and across the country,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL). “I was proud to play a role in the continued protection and preservation of our wildlife and natural resources.” Sen. Shelby serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which provides funds for the U.S. Forest Service.

“Alabama offers some of the most beautiful natural sites in the country, and our national forests are a big part of that heritage,” said U.S. Rep Mike Rogers (R-AL), whose district includes Talladega. “I am proud to support efforts to help preserve and protect our natural resources for generations to come.”

The project has received the support of NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, a long-time resident of Alabama and four-time winner at Talladega Superspeedway. “I’ve supported this project from the start and I’m excited to see it now completed,” said Allison. “I applaud Ryan’s commitment to the outdoors and to protecting places for the public to use and enjoy. Talladega holds a special place in my heart and I’m thrilled that he has chosen this site as one of the Racing for Wildlife projects. I can’t wait to see where the next one will be.”

“The Pinhoti Trail is the premier hiking trail in Alabama and this fulfills a decades-long dream of mine to see it extended,” said Mike Leonard, vice chairman of The Conservation Fund’s board of directors. “The key to the success of this project has been the strong partnership between The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Forest Service, the Racing for Wildlife partners and the many local supporters. Because of these partners’ tireless efforts, current and future generations will be able to use the Pinhoti Trail to hike the very southernmost mountains in the Appalachians.”

Over time, Racing for Wildlife will pursue new conservation projects that offer recreational opportunities near urban areas, so families can easily enjoy the outdoors in protected places. In selecting conservation projects, Racing for Wildlife works with local land conservation groups and public agencies to find opportunities that both fulfill state-recognized conservation priorities and invite a new generation to experience the outdoors.

 

Photos by CIA Stock Photography/Ernest Masche

About The Conservation Fund