Alabama: Talladega National Forest

On November 30, 2009, Ryan Newman, Bobby Allison and members of the Alabama Congressional delegation gathered for a press conference at Talladega Superspeedway to announce completion of Racing for Wildlife's latest project, adding 1,100 acres of land to the Talladega National Forest along the ridge of Rebecca Mountain. Only a short drive from Talladega Superspeedway, the Rebecca Mountain tract allows extension and completion of the long distance Pinhoti Trail, which links hikers to the famous Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

Nestled in the Talladega National Forest, just a short drive from Talladega Superspeedway, the eight-mile crest of Rebecca Mountain has been a high conservation priority for the US Forest Service. These spectacular forests are home to deer, turkey, gopher tortoise, flattened musk turtles and the rare red-cockaded woodpecker. The 1,100 acre property was also one of the largest privately-owned tracts in the national forest and is completely surrounded by public land.

The Talladega project serves as a model for other projects around the country that link racing venues to nearby outdoor areas, creating new hiking and camping opportunities for race fans and others.