The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has recently purchased 79 acres of undeveloped land along the Gulf Coast to add to the state park system. The land, located next to Beach Club Resort on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, includes a half-mile of beachfront. Combined with previously acquired property, the site now totals 200 acres, making it the largest privately held, undeveloped beachfront property in coastal Alabama.
Funded by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the state plans to leave the site largely undeveloped to protect the dune system and wildlife habitat. State Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship emphasized the importance of protecting critical wildlife habitat for species such as sea turtles, migratory birds, and the endangered beach mouse. He also highlighted the significance of providing the public with access to an unspoiled section of beach, which will be owned by the people of Alabama in perpetuity.
Blankenship assured that there will be minimal infrastructure on the site, with plans for a small parking area and a walkway to the beach. The site will be integrated into Gulf State Park, adding to the state’s efforts to protect and preserve natural habitats along the Gulf Coast.
Overall, the state and its partners have acquired over 1,600 acres on the Fort Morgan peninsula, using more than $77 million in Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Restoration funding. The recent purchase is a continuation of these conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of Alabama’s coastline.
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