28. The Sipsey Randolph Tract

Sipsey Randolph Tract 

Sipsey Randolph Tract

Date of purchase: April 4, 2003

Location: Tuscaloosa County; T21S, R12W portion of Sections 2 & 3

Acreage: 153

THE SIPSEY RANDOLPH TRACT addition in Tuscaloosa County consists of approximately 153 acres dominated by flat river bottomland, and is bisected by old Highway 82 on the north end. The Sipsey River traverses the northwest corner of the property. The property adjoins the Sipsey Sullivan Tract acquired in 1999, and provides the public with a new point of road and river access to these state lands. 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.