The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has recently acquired a significant parcel of undeveloped land along the Gulf Coast, with plans to integrate it into the state park system. The 79-acre area adjacent to Beach Club Resort on the Fort Morgan Peninsula has been purchased by the state, expanding on a previous acquisition a few years ago to create a 200-acre site that boasts half a mile of beachfront. This purchase, utilizing funds from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, secures the title of the largest privately owned undeveloped beachfront property in coastal Alabama.
State Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship emphasized the importance of preserving the site in its natural state to safeguard the dune system and wildlife habitat. Blankenship highlighted the critical significance of the habitat for various wildlife species, including sea turtles, migratory birds, and the endangered beach mouse, as well as ensuring public access to an untouched section of the beach for generations to come. By acquiring and protecting this land, the state aims to provide a lasting legacy of pristine beach access for current and future residents and visitors alike.
The conservation efforts for the newly acquired site will focus on minimal development, with plans limited to a small parking area near the road and a walkway for beach access, ensuring the preservation of the area. The property will become part of Gulf State Park, further enhancing its value for both wildlife and the public. Previous applications of Deepwater Horizon oil spill funds facilitated land acquisitions on the Fort Morgan peninsula, enabling the state and its partners to procure over 1,600 acres of land, totaling more than $77 million in restoration funding.