Bright Supports Conservation Bill

Press Release

Bright Supports Conservation Bill

Congressman Bright voted in favor of H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. The bill passed with a strong, bi-partisan 285 - 140 vote. In addition to protecting millions of acres of public lands, the bill also authorizes a feasibility study for establishing a National Heritage Area in the Chattahoochee Trace Corridor of Alabama and Georgia. Congressman Bright has previously sponsored H.R. 867, which also authorized the feasibility study.

"The Chattahoochee Trace Corridor is a unique and special part of the country and it deserves federal recognition," Bright said. "I am glad that this bill was included in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 and that we are one step closer to establishing a National Heritage Area in Southeast Alabama. I look forward to working with local leaders to ensure that resources are available to make the Corridor a success."

The region covered in the Chattahoochee Trace Corridor is an 18-county area in Alabama and Georgia, including Barbour, Dale, Henry, and Houston Counties in the Second District. Chambers, Lee, and Russell Counties are also included in the area. National Heritage Areas are regions designated by Congress for having significant geographical, cultural, or historical significance. In contrast to National Parks, National Heritage Areas are not federally owned or managed, but remain maintained and controlled by local entities. Communities designated as a National Heritage Areas are eligible for federal funding to be used for promoting tourism and conservation.

The Omnibus Public Land Management Act preserves over two million acres of public lands across nine states and establishes three new national parks. It also recognizes new Historic Sites and Heritage Areas, such as the Chattahoochee Trace Corridor. Additionally, the legislation contains language that protects the rights of hunters and fishermen on these lands, stating "Nothing in this title shall be construed as affecting access for recreational activities otherwise allowed by law or regulation, including hunting, fishing, or trapping." It also gives states the express authority to manage resident fish and wildlife.

"For over 100 years, the federal government has recognized the importance of protecting our public lands for future generations," Bright said. "This bill is a historic step in conservation that has wide-ranging support. It is often said that hunters and fishermen make the best conservationists, and this legislation protects their rights on public lands while appropriately preserving these lands for future use."

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