By By MaryClaire Foster
An informational meeting for Little River State Forest was held on Dec. 6 to discuss the future of the facility, dealing primarily with improvements to it and how, where and when they could be made.
Representatives from the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, along with one member from the International Mountain Bikers Association, and concerned park goers met with employees of Little River, which is located nine miles from Interstate 65.
Chad Camp, a wildlife biologist at Little River, said at this time the park is not in danger of being closed.
Camp said they are doing what they can to improve the infrastructure of the facility.
Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Little River has gone through many changes and both Little River management and the AHTS said they want to continue to improve on the forest as a team.
Erik Douglas, president of the AHTS, said this is the reason why he and other members at the meeting were there.
Camp said the forest wants to work to keep all its patrons happy.
The first action the AHTS proposed to take was rebuilding the Gazebo trail and bridge, which has sustained much hurricane damage in recent years and still needs repairs.
Douglas said after Ivan came through, he and others from the Society went out to the forest to salvage the gazebo trail.
After repairs are done, Douglas proposed creating new trails that run by areas that would be of interest to hikers.
Camp said he would fully back efforts to repair the forest.
Smith and Camp were in agreement that the preservation of the park was their main concern.
For more information about Little River call 251- 862-2511 or by email at lrsf.remote@forestry.alabama.gov or visit the Web site www.forestry.alabama. gov.
For more information about the AHTS visit www.hikealabama.org.