119-S-1350 Journalist Public Summary
119 · S 1350 A bill to modify the boundaries of the Talladega National Forest, and for other purposes.
S. 1350 would expand the Talladega National Forest’s official boundary so the U.S. Forest Service can buy land from willing sellers—about 50,000 acres—enhancing recreation and conservation; it cleared the Senate Agriculture Committee on October 21, 2025 and awaits possible floor action. Support comes from the Alabama sponsors and local trail groups; no notable organized opposition has surfaced publicly. [1]U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville — Tuberville, Rogers Lead Effort to Expand the Ta…[2]Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry — Lands Bills Approved…[3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.1350 — 119th Congress: Talladega Nationa…
Headline Summary
Expands Talladega National Forest’s boundary to let the Forest Service purchase land from willing sellers (roughly 50,000 acres) to improve recreation and conservation; advanced out of committee and awaiting potential Senate floor debate. [1]U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville — Tuberville, Rogers Lead Effort to Expand the Ta…[3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.1350 — 119th Congress: Talladega Nationa…
What It Does
The bill redraws the forest’s “proclamation boundary” to include lands shown on a Forest Service map dated September 6, 2024. Inside that area, the Agriculture Secretary could acquire land or easements—only from willing sellers—by purchase, donation, or exchange under existing authorities (like the 1911 Weeks Law). Any acquired land would be managed as part of the National Forest System. A boundary change by itself does not transfer private property; it sets the area within which the Forest Service may acquire land over time. [4]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text — S.1350 (119th): Talladega National…[5]U.S. Forest Service — About the Area — Daniel Boone National Forest (example of…
Who’s For It
- Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R‑AL), sponsor, says expansion will boost tourism and improve the Pinhoti Trail; his office estimates about 50,000 acres within three Alabama counties. [1]U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville — Tuberville, Rogers Lead Effort to Expand the Ta…
- Rep. Mike Rogers (R‑AL‑03), sponsor of the identical House bill (H.R. 2740). [6]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — H.R.2740 — 119th Congress: Talladega Natio…
- Alabama Trails Foundation and county commissions in Talladega, Coosa, and Clay endorsed the effort. [1]U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville — Tuberville, Rogers Lead Effort to Expand the Ta…[7]Alabama Trails Foundation — Alabama Trails Foundation: Expansion of the Tallade…
- Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee approved the bill on October 21, 2025, as part of a bipartisan lands package. [2]Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry — Lands Bills Approved…
Who’s Against It
- No organized opposition statements located as of October 28, 2025. (That could change as the bill moves.)
- Common concerns with federal land acquisitions—raised in past hearings—include effects on local tax bases and reliance on Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). The bill’s “willing seller” language aims to address property‑rights worries. [8]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Hearing: The Impact Land Acquisition Has o…[4]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text — S.1350 (119th): Talladega National…
What’s Next
The Senate Agriculture Committee ordered S. 1350 reported on October 21, 2025; as of October 28, 2025, Congress.gov shows it awaiting possible floor consideration. An identical House bill (H.R. 2740) has been introduced and sits in the House Agriculture Committee. [3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.1350 — 119th Congress: Talladega Nationa…[6]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — H.R.2740 — 119th Congress: Talladega Natio…
- [1] Tuberville, Rogers Lead Effort to Expand the Talladega National Forest U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville
- [2] Lands Bills Approved by Senate Ag Committee Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- [3] S.1350 — 119th Congress: Talladega National Forest boundary modification Congress.gov (Library of Congress)
- [4] Text — S.1350 (119th): Talladega National Forest boundary modification Congress.gov (Library of Congress)
- [5] About the Area — Daniel Boone National Forest (example of proclamation boundary) U.S. Forest Service
- [6] H.R.2740 — 119th Congress: Talladega National Forest boundary modification Congress.gov (Library of Congress)
- [7] Alabama Trails Foundation: Expansion of the Talladega National Forest (press release) Alabama Trails Foundation
- [8] Hearing: The Impact Land Acquisition Has on the NPS Maintenance Backlog, Park Service Management Priorities, and Local Communities Congress.gov (Library of Congress)
Discussion