Stateline Forest Secures Rare Longleaf Forest and Public Access Across Alabama-Georgia Border

ALABAMA/GEORGIA — Today, The Conservation Fund announced the successful completion of the Stateline Forest conservation project, a multi-state land protection effort safeguarding one of the most ecologically significant — and publicly valuable — landscapes in the Southeast.

This strategic acquisition spanning the Alabama-Georgia state line secures 10,345 acres of land and nearly 45 miles of critical waterways, conserving one of America’s most endangered forests — the longleaf pine ecosystem. By protecting rare plant species, bats and aquatic life, it safeguards vital biodiversity. The acquisition also preserves public access to natural lands, enhancing recreational opportunities, bolstering wildfire resilience near the rapidly developing Atlanta region and advancing sustainable land management in the Dugdown Corridor, one of Georgia’s highest-priority conservation areas.

“This project is a rare opportunity to permanently protect a landscape that is both biologically rich and increasingly threatened by development,” said Stacy Funderburke, vice president of the central Southeast region at The Conservation Fund. “With the completion of Stateline, we’ve not only conserved key wildlife habitat — we’ve ensured the public will always have access to these lands for hunting, recreation and connection with nature, while also strengthening wildfire resilience and protecting water quality across state lines.”

The property will be state-owned and managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This acquisition guarantees permanent public ownership and long-term stewardship by these state agencies, ensuring that these natural resources remain accessible to the communities they serve.

“Working within and across state lines has proven critical for this effort to conserve rare species and natural habitats in one of our most vital wildlife conservation corridors,” said Chris Harper, director of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. “We are excited about what this partnership has accomplished, and what it means for wildlife and for the people of Georgia and Alabama, who will be able to experience and enjoy these wild lands and waters for generations to come.”

“Alabama is fortunate to work with amazing partners to achieve the goal of preserving this significant forestland and waterways,” said Rick Oates, Alabama’s State Forester. “We are proud to be involved in this joint project of protecting a longleaf corridor where wildlife will thrive and people can enjoy being in the forest.”

This critical multistate project was made possible with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) that flowed through the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program grant. Established in 1965, LWCF funding comes from offshore energy revenues — not taxpayer dollars — to permanently protect conservation and recreation access projects. These funds were secured with the support of the United States congressional delegations representing this project area: U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (GA), Jon Ossoff (GA), Tommy Tuberville (AL), and Katie Britt (AL), as well as U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers (AL) and Brian Jack (GA).

“The acquisition of the Dugdown Mountain Corridor will help secure high-value timber resources, expand opportunities for public recreation, and protect streams, rivers and other public lands. I am grateful for The Conservation Fund’s work, and I remain committed to protecting Georgia’s precious forests and public lands,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.

“Scripture teaches us that we must be good stewards of our Earthly home. So much of protecting Georgia’s environmental beauty and ecological resources rests in our conservation efforts, which is why I have long been a supporter of the Dugdown Mountain Corridor Stateline project,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This interstate collaboration will protect over 10,000 acres and 45 miles of waterways, protect against wildfires, and preserve one of the South’s most endangered ecosystems for decades to come.”

The Conservation Fund first acquired the Stateline Forest tracts in 2019 with support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, along with additional state investments from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and Alabama Forever Wild Program. This final transfer to state stewardship reflects the power of partnership across state lines and agencies. As metro Atlanta continues to grow, Stateline Forest ensures a permanent green corridor where wildlife can thrive, and people can connect with the land — a lasting legacy that will serve communities across the region for generations.

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org. 

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