WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Northeast Alabama’s Little River Canyon National Preserve, the largest natural gorge east of the Mississippi River, would be allowed to grow by over 1,600 acres through voluntary land sales under a bill introduced by Congressman Mike Rogers recently.

Rogers said the legislation, H.R. 5486, a bill to expand Little River Canyon, would help further preserve the area in its natural state. Rogers said neighboring Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), who represents DeKalb County, is an original cosponsor.

The bill, if passed, would expand the boundaries of the national preserve by allowing the National Park Service to acquire land through willing sellers or donations. Rogers made it clear the bill does not allow the Federal government to acquire land through imminent domain.

“Little River Canyon is one of our nation’s most beautiful preserves,” Rogers said. “This bill, if passed, could help further preserve this incredible resource for generations to come.”
Rogers said the Little River Canyon is a huge draw for recreational tourists across Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Tourism said recently the preserve drew over 264,000 visitors in 2007, making the canyon a huge economic engine for northeast Alabama.

Rogers said the bill was introduced in the House on February 25, 2008 and was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. He added Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions is author of the companion legislation in the Senate.

 “I hope Congress will soon consider this worthwhile legislation,” Rogers said. Rogers serves on the Homeland Security Committee, the House Agriculture Committee and the House Armed Services Committee.
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