Carl Introduces Legislation to Protect Ancient Underwater Forest off the Coast of Alabama

Statement

Today, Congressman Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) issued the following statement regarding legislation he has introduced to protect the site of an ancient underwater cypress forest 60 feet underwater south of Gulf Shores, AL.

"Alabama is blessed with so many natural resources and unique attractions, so it's critically important we protect and preserve them. I'm proud of my bill that would designate the underwater forest off the coast of Alabama as a national marine sanctuary and ensure folks can fish, dive, and explore the site for generations to come. This bill would increase tourism opportunities along the Gulf Coast and would be a huge boost to south Alabama's economy," said Congressman Jerry Carl.

"I am glad to see Congressman Carl introduce a common-sense bill that will protect the natural treasures of the underwater forest off the coast of Alabama. This legislation will preserve the ancient trees and stumps from harvest or removal while still allowing recreational anglers and divers access to the abundant reefs and fish in the world-class Alabama Artificial Reef Zones," said Commissioner Chris Blankenship, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

"It is wonderful to see so many people support protecting this unique habitat that will help grow Alabama's eco-tourism industry while allowing research and fishing--both commercial and recreational. The scientific and economic benefits will be gained and sustained for generations," said Mark Berte, Executive Director of the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF).

"Saltwater recreational fishing is a huge part of Alabama's culture and economy, with a sales impact of over $2 billion and supporting 23,721 jobs. Alabama's underwater forest is a unique marine resource that warrants protection. The sportfishing industry applauds Congressman Carl for his leadership in conserving this area while safeguarding recreational fishing access," said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association.

"The Underwater Forest is unique on a global scale, a 60,000-year-old forest with the trees still rooted in the mud they were growing in during the last ice age. This is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder, like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, with nothing else like it on the planet. It is more important than ever to permanently protect the site, and Congressman Carl's bill is a perfect fit by outlawing the removal of the ancient trees, but still allowing the American public to visit the site for scuba diving and fishing," said Ben Raines, journalist, naturalist, and filmmaker.

This forest has its roots in an ancient ice age tens of thousands of years ago when tons of water were stored in glaciers that covered much of the globe. Herds of wooly mammoths, bison, mastodons, wooly rhinos, horses, and American camels existed there and were pursued by saber toothed cats, dire wolves, and cave bears. This is the only known site where a coastal ice age forest this old has been preserved in place, and thousands of trees are still rooted in the dirt they were growing in thousands of years before being reclaimed by the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Ivan uncovered the forest in 2004, but scientists have just begun to study the forest.

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