Anniston Star 4/24/2012
Excerpt:   ” Companies could soon drill for natural gas in the Talladega National Forest, possibly stimulating the local economy in the process.  But they would have to find the gas first –- a feat some experts say is unlikely.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, which manages federal land and its resources, recently announced its intention to sell gas leases June 14 for parcels totaling more than 43,000 acres in Alabama’s national forests, mostly in the Talladega National Forest. Some experts say the development of a well could boost the local economy, from jobs to tax revenue. However, other experts say the geology of the area makes the discovery of natural gas unlikely and that if it were found, the possible negative environmental impact of drilling could hurt local tourism.  …”
Read entire article at http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/18336812/article-Talladega-forest-drilling-could-boost-economy—if-there-s-anything-down-there?instance=home_news