By Gary Lloyd
U.S. Congressman Spencer Bachus, who represents Alabama’s Sixth District, said three conservation projects in Jefferson County demonstrate the value of environmental stewardship and its contribution to the quality of life in the region.
Bachus made his remarks last month after touring Clay’s Cosby Lake Park, the Tapawingo Springs Preserve and the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson. The tour was coordinated by the Freshwater Land Trust, which develops public-private partnerships to protect and restore sensitive ecological habitats.
“We all have a responsibility to be responsible stewards of the environment,” Bachus said. “The conservation projects that I saw in Clay and Pinson are preserving the natural beauty of our area for future generations and providing healthy recreational opportunities for residents in our communities and many visitors. They are also laboratories of learning that teach our young people about the importance of conservation. It has always been a pleasure for me to work with the Freshwater Land Trust, which under the leadership of Wendy Jackson has shown a unique ability to bring many different parties together to voluntarily promote environmental protection and education.”
Alabama Congressman Spencer Bachus, in black, looks at the Tapawingo Springs Preserve.
submitted photo
During the outdoor tour, Bachus met with Clay Mayor Charles Webster to view Cosby Lake Park, a 58-acre park that attracts 30,000 visitors per year. Bachus recalled attending Camp Cosby during his youth. Donning galoshes, Bachus ventured deep into the Tapawingo Springs Preserve to meet with members of the Freshwater Land Trust Board. Bachus also visited the falls at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve with a group that included Pinson Mayor Hoyt Sanders.
“Congressman Bachus has been a long time champion for conservation and we were eager to provide an on-ground tour of several projects in the Pinson and Clay area,” Freshwater Land Trust Executive Director Wendy Jackson said. “We are proud of our successful partnerships and excited that Congressman Bachus shares our passion for continuing preservation efforts. His continued support will benefit Alabamians for generations to come and we are grateful for his support and co-sponsorship of the legislation that would greatly benefit private landowners (H.R. 2807, the Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2013).”
The Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2013 would enhance the ability of private landowners to donate land for conservation purposes. The bill would make permanent conservation easement provisions first authorized by Congress in 2006.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
