22. The Sipsey-Robertson Tract

Date of purchase: August 29, 2002

Location: Tuscaloosa County; T21S, R12W portion of Sections 27 & 28

Acreage: 280

THE SIPSEY - ROBERTSON TRACT addition in Tuscaloosa County consists of approximately 280 acres. This property adjoins the Sipsey Sullivan Tract acquisition, which is 2,998 acres of bottomland hardwood forest and swamp lands along the flood plains of the Sipsey River. As with the adjoining Sipsey Sullivan Tract, this tract was purchased to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the public, to protect the biodiversity of the property’s natural communities and to provide opportunities for ecological education and research.

This tract as well as the Sipsey Sullivan and Sipsey Randolph tracts (all adjoining) are located in the Sipsey River watershed and upper Tombigbee River basin. This area is located within the Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic section and Fall Line Hills district. This district forms the boundary or transition from the more rugged sections to the north and the sections with less relief to the south. It is typically mostly forested with oak, hickory and pine. These Sipsey River tracts are vegetated with oak, hickory and pine in the elevated portions, with tupelo-cypress stands interspersed in the many flooded backwater sloughs and beaver ponds. These properties provide great opportunities for canoeing, fishing, bird watching, nature study and exploring during most of the year. An extensive trail system allows good access for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Four wheelers are allowed during hunting season, only as a means of facilitating hunting activity.