Many moved to, and visit Fairhope, not for the shopping and restaurants alone, but because of the natural beauty of its forests, farms, and parks. Much of that is disappearing. A conservation fund or conservation easements, might help slow this loss. Many communities, including Fairhope, could benefit from both.
Other communities have established conservation funds with the purpose of acquiring land for preservation purposes and public use. These funds are often funded by a fee on new construction, in that way, charging those who are removing land from a natural state, to fund protection of other land nearby. Such funds are also funded by sales tax, lodging taxes or a fee on real estate transactions.
Conservation easements protect water and air quality as well as wildlife and aesthetics of a community by the purchase of the development rights for a particular property. The land can still be logged, farmed and used by the owner for other purposes too, but cannot developed. The funding for purchasing these easements can come from a local conservation fund, but there are also federal programs available to landowners who are willing to enter into the agreements. They are rarely used in the southeast, perhaps because little is known about them. The Sierra Club has made several presentations on the topic, but we don’t seem to be reaching landowners.
If you are concerned about the loss of the Fairhope Triangle, let the mayor or city council know, by contacting them at:
Mayor or City Council
P.O. Drawer 429
Fairhope, Al 36533
If you or someone you know is interested in preserving land through conservation easements, be aware that both Federal and State programs are available.
Considering the sustainability policies of the companies below, the spirit of their policies is not being upheld in the case of coastal wetland forests in the southeastern United States. Contact them and ask them to abandon cypress mulch products, as sustainable alternatives are readily available. Studies show that cypress is being harvested more quickly than it can regenerate, and nearly half of total production is for landscaping mulch sold by these companies.
These large companies have the power to make a difference in ensuring that the Gulf Coast cypress forests are not lost forever. Contact:
Robert Niblock, CEO
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
1000 Lowe’s Boulevard
Mooresville, NC 28117
H. Lee Scott, CEO
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
702 S.W. 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716
Frank Blake, CEO
The Home Depot, Inc.
2455 Paces Ferry Rd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30339
As the federal government has failed to lead on many important issues, we are encouraged that state governments have begun leading the way in cleaning up our environment. For example, there are now 12 states, joined by the Government of Canada, that have adopted clean car laws. California has committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25% in less than 15 years. At least 10 states are financing passenger trains in their states, as Alabama once did. All states except Alabama provide funding for public transit.
Adopting these and similar measures will be effective in not only reducing our reliance on increasingly expensive fossil fuels, but will also improve public health, and improve the economy by creating new jobs, as well as reducing costly delays in our transportation network.
The Sierra Club’s Cool Cities Campaign promotes green building design, appropriate community design, renewable energy and conservation practices. More information can be found at http://www.coolcities.us/. We are encouraging the Governor to adopt more of these priorities at the state level. If you would like to do the same, contact him at:
Governor Bob Riley
State Capitol
600 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
Switchboard: 334-242-7100
FAX: 334-353-0004