Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has recently acquired 79 acres of undeveloped beachfront land adjacent to the Beach Club Resort on the Fort Morgan Peninsula. This acquisition further expands the ADCNR's conservation efforts in the region, bringing the total protected acreage on the peninsula to over 1,600 acres. These lands are now safeguarded for permanent conservation, public access, and improved habitat management for endangered species.

These lands are now part of the Alabama State Parks System, ensuring their protection and public access. The area is crucial for sea turtles, shorebirds, migratory birds, and the endangered Alabama beach mouse.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA) provided funding for the purchase. Governor Kay Ivey worked with ADCNR on the acquisition.

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship stated, "The Fort Morgan Peninsula is an ecologically important area. We have worked to protect much of the remaining undeveloped habitat here. The impact of these acquisitions is significant."

The newly acquired property, combined with the Gulf Highlands land purchased in 2018, now totals nearly 200 acres. This area includes over a half-mile of beachfront and dune habitats, which were previously the largest privately held, undeveloped beachfront properties in Coastal Alabama.

The new properties complement other parcels on the peninsula, previously acquired with Deepwater Horizon funds and now part of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. These include Three Rivers Phase I and II and the Pilot Town acquisition, totaling over 500 acres.

Located eight miles west of Gulf Shores, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects critical habitats for migratory songbirds and threatened and endangered species. The refuge includes diverse environments such as sandy beaches, dunes, coastal marshes, and maritime forests.

The City of Gulf Shores also benefited from NFWF funding, acquiring and restoring the 836-acre Oyster Bay Tract on the northern side of the Fort Morgan Peninsula.

Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of NFWF, commented, "Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Alabama has made significant investments to protect species and habitats. These efforts will have lasting benefits for Alabama's natural resources and its citizens."

In total, ADCNR 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.

Commissioner Blankenship expressed appreciation for the collaboration with NFWF, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the City of Gulf Shores, and other partners. He praised his team for managing funding sources and coordinating projects effectively.

ADCNR has also added more than 7,500 acres to the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area along the Alabama-Florida state line. This area supports various upland and wetland species and provides recreational opportunities for the community.

These acquisitions are crucial in protecting vital habitats and estuaries as residential growth increases in Baldwin County.