Some would argue that Chris Blankenship is one of the most effective Commissioners of Conservation Alabama has ever known.
So when the Commissioner asks to come visit to find out what’s going on in Paint Rock Valley, you don’t hesitate.
We met the commissioner and Thomas Reddick, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Forest Management in Alabama, just as 8 to 10 inches of rain was finishing its run through the valley — it was a spectacular day of waterfalls and tree falls and slippery slopes.
But the commissioner took it all in like the Alabama boy he was, and offered us some real insights into conservation potential in the state, even as he peppered Thomas and the Paint Rock team with questions about the future of the Research Forest. He listened patiently to Thomas and Bill’s schemes to restore shortleaf pine savannas, and offered advice (and sympathy) on the challenges of managing large tracts like this one. He seemed as amazed as we are at the incredible diversity of this forest.
It was a good day, a long day, the kind of day you sleep long and well after. We look forward to his return visit!
