The Terry
Tract: 154 Acres Preserved on
Monte Sano Mountain
HUNTSVILLE – Forever Wild and The Land Trust of
Huntsville & North Alabama announce the preservation of 154 acres on Monte
Sano Mountain.
The
Land Trust nominated the property known as the “Terry Tract” to Alabama’s
Forever Wild conservation program. It is located on the north end of Monte
Sano Mountain and connects The Land Trust’s Monte Sano Preserve and the
Monte Sano State Park. The Terry Tract also holds a long section of the
much-loved “Flat Rock” trail which features rock formations and waterfalls.
The
property was purchased in 1930 by Jeff H. Terry who saw the beauty of it’s
many hardwood trees: oak, hickory, yellow poplar and basswood. “When my
sister, Sue Driscoll, and I suggested preserving these acres, the 30 family
members of Terry Properties agreed that it was a wonderful idea,” said Bob
Terry, grandson of Jeff H. Terry. Bob served as a forester for the US
Forest Service in the Southern Region for 30 years. “Our family is glad
that it will remain pristine and that the beautiful trails will be enjoyed
by hikers,” he continued.
“The purchase of this property by Forever Wild ensures it’s
preservation and it will be considered part of the Monte Sano State Park,”
said Cynthia Parker, Land Trust Executive Director. “To demonstrate local
support, The Land Trust and the City of Huntsville committed considerable
funds toward preservation of this land. We are thrilled that Forever Wild
and the city of Huntsville found this property worthy of their
consideration.”
“This was truly a partnership effort,” Parker affirmed. “Land
Trust members and community donors helped us raise the necessary funds to
save these key acres on Monte Sano.”
According to Assistant State Lands Division Director Greg Lein,
some trails are already on the property. “Because of these existing trails,
the public will be able to immediately utilize the land for activities such
as hiking and bird watching,” he said. “The management goals for the
acreage include habitat conservation, outdoor recreation, scientific
research and education. The spectacular views, unique rock features, and
trails may be accessed from the State Park as well as from The Land Trust’s
Bankhead Hiker’s Parking Lot.”
Since Forever Wild acquired its first tract in 1994, the program
has purchased more than 138,000 acres. The land is used for wildlife
management areas for public hunting, nature preserves, additions to state
parks and outdoor recreational areas.
The Forever Wild Program is funded by a percentage of the interest
earned from state royalties on offshore natural gas leases belonging to
Alabama.
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Ribbon Cutting Photos by Jerry Green
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