Alabama Const. art. 11, § 1 — Alabama Constitution / Article 11 / Section 1
Declaration of Purpose.
Status: in_force

Section 1. Declaration of Purpose. 
The Legislature of Alabama finds that Alabama is endowed with a rich 
diversity of natural areas having unique ecological systems, plant and animal 
life, geological formations, wildlife habitats, recreational values and scenic 
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beauty. As a part of the continuing growth of the population and the economic development of the state, it is necessary and desirable that certain lands and waters be set aside, managed and preserved for use as state parks, nature preserves, recreation areas, and wildlife management areas. In order to meet the State’s outdoor recreation needs and to protect the natural heritage of Alabama for the benefit of present and future generations, it is the policy of the state to: (a) Protect, manage, and enhance certain lands and waters of Alabama with full recognition that this generation is a trustee of the environment for succeeding generations; (b) Protect, to the fullest extent practicable, recreational lands and areas of unique ecological, biological and geological importance; and (c) Promote a proper balance among population growth, economic development, environmental protection, and ecological diversity. Accordingly, there is hereby established the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust for the purpose of identifying, acquiring, managing, protecting and preserving natural lands and waters that are of environmental or recreational importance. Section 2. Definitions. (1) ‘‘Alabama Trust Fund’’ means the irrevocable, permanent trust fund created by Amendment 450 to the Alabama Constitution of 1901. [§ 219.02]. (2) ‘‘Alabama Trust Fund Board’’ means the board of trustees of the Alabama Trust Fund as established by Amendment 450 to the Alabama Constitution of 1901 [§ 219.02]. (3) ‘‘Appraised Value’’ means that price estimated in terms of money at which the property would change hands between a willing and financially able buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell. (4) ‘‘Board’’ means the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust, as established by Section 4 of this Amendment. (5) ‘‘Commissioner’’ means the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or any other officer of the state who, by law, shall succeed to his responsibilities. (6) ‘‘Conservation Easement’’ means a right, whether or not stated in the form of restriction, easement, covenant or condition, in any deed, will, or other instrument executed by or on behalf of the owner of land providing for the retention of properties predominantly in their natural, scenic, open or wooded condition, or as suitable habitat for fish and wildlife, oras recreation- al lands. (7) ‘‘Dedication’’ means the transfer to the state of an estate, interest, or 205

right in a natural area to fulfill the purposes of this Amendment. 
(8) ‘‘Department’’ means the Alabama Department of Conservation and 
Natural Resources or any other department or agency of the state that, by law, 
shall succeed to its functions and responsibilities. 
(9) ‘‘Final Approval Committee’’ means a Committee, as established by