Battle for Alabama's Wilderness

The grassroots effort to preserve Alabama's Wilderness Areas spanned a period of thirty years, from 19 to 19. The first battle, to establish the Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest, was the catalyst for a profound reform of national policy regarding public land preserves in the eastern United States. It, and the later campaigns - to establish the Cheaha Wilderness, to enlarge the Sipsey, and to create the Dugger Mountain Wilderness - are all classic tales of citizen activists overcoming the quagmire of federal bureaucracy and the intransigence of hostile politicians. By mandate of the 1964 Wilderness Act, an area that has been designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation system (by an Act of Congress) cannot by commercially developed and must remain forever roadless. Such designation protects remnants of America's natural heritage in their original state, for their own worth. But early political opposition to proposed designation or expansion of wilderness areas in Alabama was based on the belief that limiting development of these lands would negatively impact the state's powerful timber industry. In response to such opposition, serious environmental activism was born in Alabama. Using quotations from newspaper reports, Congressional testimonies, personal interviews, and his own recollections, John Randolph traces the development of Alabama's environmental movement from its early beginnings with the founding of The Alabama Conservancy in the late 1960s and early '70s to the continuing preservation efforts of present-day activist groups, such as the Alabama Environmental Council, the Cahaba River Society, and the Alabama Wilderness Alliance. The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness permits all of the players - pro and con - to speak for themselves, but the obvious heroes - people like Mary Burks, Blanche Dean, Joab Thomas, and Pete Conroy - are embodiments of the vision, determination, hope, and persistence required of those who ultimately succeed in their preservation efforts. Randolph's account is, in the broad sense, a practical, step-by-step testament to the power of grassroots citizen groups who are committed to a common cause and inspired by a shared ideal.