Forever Wild supporters with quotes on why Forever Wild is important and why it should be reauthorized as-is.

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		"The Forever Wild program was put into place to provide ALL the people of this great state a place for recreation and to and enjoy our wonderful natural resources – hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, hikers, field trailers, scout groups, church groups, and the list goes on. The concepts that have been put forth as the cause for raiding Forever Wild funds go against this basic premise and would divert funds to programs where this benefit to ALL, one of the primary reasons Forever Wild enjoys such broad public support, would be erased." Grady Hartzog, AWF Past President
		"As adults, it is up to us to be good stewards of the land and environment that we will pass on to our children. As citizens, it is important for us to support public policy that will benefit and bless those who follow us in life. Our state is rich in natural beauty and we need to allow ourselves to experience it.  Forever Wild is dedicated to this end.  It is a perfect example of good stewardship and is a policy that ought to be continued for 20 more years, as-is. We've been overwhelmingly pleased with the popularity of tracts such as Turkey Creek and Ruffner Mountain here in Jefferson County - what they have provided in terms of educating students on the outdoors, while also giving all citizens an escape for outdoor recreation, has been significant."   Wendy Jackson Executive Director, Freshwater Land Trust
		"Forever Wild has helped preserve some of the most ecologically sensitive and beautiful areas of our state. Without it, outdoor recreation would not be the same in Alabama. Thanks to Forever Wild, many school children, scout troops, outdoor enthusiasts, bikers, hikers, and sportsmen have places to enjoy nature’s beauty and learn about God’s creation. In addition, Forever Wild is a great example of a well-run government program that has been managed with integrity for 19 years – since it became law with the largest margin of popular support of any ballot measure in the state’s history. It would be a shame for this outstanding program to expire, and I urge our legislature to move with all haste towards its renewal, as-is, for another 20 years." David Donaldson Vulcan Materials
		"As one of the top-five most biologically diverse states in the nation, Alabama is one of the most exciting places in the United States to practice conservation. Many hundreds of animals and plants are found only in the rivers, forests, caves and other habitats of Alabama and nowhere else on Earth. With such rich blessings comes a great responsibility to protect this unique heritage through Forever Wild for current and future generations of our citizens to know and appreciate. That is exactly why we need to renew Forever Wild as-is for another 20 years and continue to protect and restore the most important natural areas and sensitive habitats our state has to offer."  Chris Oberholster
		“Forever Wild has been one of the most apolitical, non-controversial programs ever passed by the Alabama Legislature. My hope is that the full legislative body will recognize the benefits, the economic impacts, and the overwhelming support for Forever Wild by reauthorizing the program in its current form, as-is for another 20 years." Rep. Randy Davis
		“One of the things that I do as a freshman, and that I was advised to do, and I’ve tried to follow this as a member of this body is that whenever legislation is proposed I try to see whose for it, and why, and whose against it, and why. One of the things that has impressed me about this particular piece of legislation is that I have yet to have a single person contact me that is in favor of this legislation that has anything to gain personally for their support. Not one. There’s not one person that’s in here today that has risen to speak about the need for the continuation of this program as it exists that has anything to gain personally. Now the gentlemen that spoke that indicated he was a farmer, I can’t see him because Rep. Davis is in his direction, but I know he’s a good friend to a lot of people because of what he said. I know he’s well respected in his community, but unfortunately, we don’t have as many people like him in our state as we should. And since we don’t, there are not enough of those folks to allow young people and older people who can’t afford to be a part of a hunting club or can’t afford to be a part of a resort setting to go participate at that level. And, the thing is when you evaluate the reason for continuing this and doing it now, the benefits far outweigh the costs. For that reason, I move for favorable consideration by the committee. “ John Merrill, State Representative