By Alabama Public Radio
Anniston, AL – Federal officials will soon begin enforcing trespassing laws to protect Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge near Anniston. Officials say the area is being damaged by all-terrain vehicles. The refuge has been closed to visitors for a number of years. But refuge officials say hikers, hunters and people on four wheelers have been trespassing even though there are signs warning of hazardous conditions. Once staffers are finished posting signs about the trespassing laws, officials say anyone trespassing will have their ATVs confiscated and face federal citations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hopes to open part of the refuge to the public sometime this summer.