Walls of Jericho Forever Wild Tract Expands
The state’s Forever Wild program has recently acquired hundreds of acres of biologically important forest in Jackson County, Ala. The 535-acre Sims, Swaim and Johnson addition to the Walls of Jericho Forever Wild tract was purchased in May 2010 from the Alabama Chapter of The Nature Conservancy with support from a $640,000 Forest Legacy grant from the USDA Forest Service. The land is located along the Estill Fork tributary to the Paint Rock River and is adjacent to the James D. Martin-Skyline Wildlife Management Area.
The Sims, Swaim and Johnson addition will be used for public recreation and conservation efforts, and will increase public access to the popular Walls of Jericho trail system located near the communities of Skyline and Hytop. State lands managers have documented more than 15,000 hiking and horse trail users annually on the growing trail system. New land acquisitions such as this ensure the public's access to the property and enhance the quality of life that state lands afford Alabamians. Read more.
Two State Parks See Improvement Projects
Construction of Rodney J. Evans Conference Center and amphitheater at Florala State Park in Florala, Ala., will wrap up soon. A partnership between Alabama State Parks and the City of Florala, the 10,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility will be available for rent for various civic and private functions. The Evans Center will also have a kitchen area, convertible meeting rooms and seat up to 350 people. With completion of the building expected by year’s end, local organizations and residents will be able to reserve the conference center in early 2011. To read more click here.
A bridge connecting the campground and playground at Frank Jackson State Park in Opp, Ala., will soon be a reality. The new walking bridge, which spans a section of the lake, will make the trip between the playground and campground safer and easier for visitors to move between the two areas. The bridge project was realized through a partnership between the ADCNR, Speaker of the House Seth Hammett, Sen. Jimmy Holley (District 31), and the Trailmasters, a local volunteer organization responsible for building more than four miles of trails in the park. To read more click here.
Youth Dove Hunt Registration Begins Aug. 2
Registration for the 10th Annual Youth Dove Hunts begins Aug. 2 for the North Zone and Sept. 20 for the South Zone. The dove hunts are scheduled in 35 counties throughout the state. South Zone counties include Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile counties. The remaining counties are in the North Zone. North Zone hunts begin Sept. 4 and South Zone hunts begin Oct. 2. There is no cost, but pre-registration is necessary for all youth dove hunts. Hunt schedules and registration information is available on the ADCNR website.
To participate, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old (or a parent) who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp. Before each hunt, a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety will be conducted. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye protection and earplugs. This year, a small number of youth dove hunt participants will be surveyed by phone both before and after the hunts to help the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries gather information to help ensure the future of our hunting heritage. Read more about the hunt dates and contact info here.
As summer continues to heat up, spending time on the water is a great way to cool off. With 1.3 million acres of recreational waters, Alabama is a boater’s paradise! Unfortunately, each year boating deaths and injuries occur that could be prevented with proper boater safety, which includes wearing a life jacket.
Some Life Jacket Safety Tips
- Life jacket should not be torn or leaky.
- Teach your children how to put on their life jackets.
- Make sure straps are belted and buckled.
- Life jacket should fit snuggly and not be too large for your torso.
- Store life jackets in your boat so you don’t forget them.
BP Oil Spill Update
With the BP oil spill capped, the Gulf Coast is still absorbing the long term implications of the disaster. However, many media reports have amplified the effects along the Alabama coast and for now catch and release fishing is allowed in state waters. The Gulf State Park Pier is also open for sightseeing. Read more here.
The Conservation Advisory Board will also hold a special meeting August 25, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The Sea Lab is located at 101 Bienville Blvd in Dauphin Island, Ala. Several experts are scheduled to update the board on information related to the spill. Citizens are invited to attend the meeting, but there will be no public comment time. For more information click here.
|
Let us Know
What you Think
Do you enjoy the eNewsletter? Take this quick survey and let us know what we can do to improve it. We appreciate your input. TAKE THE SURVEY
Try Backyard Birding with the Kids!
“Backyard Bird Watching for Kids” is filled with color photos and entertaining projects that allows children to interact with nature while learning about the needs and behaviors of wild birds. Order your copy here!
August is packed with several opportunities to take part in one of ADCNR’s hunter education programs. You can even apply to become a hunter education instructor. For a complete list of dates, places and times click here.
Fishing
Tournaments
Heat Up!
Black bass will be the catch of the day at these five tournaments in central Alabama! Entry fees and registration information are listed on the tournaments page of Outdoor Alabama. For other hot fishing spots in the state visit the fishing section of our website.
Aug 14 – Weekend Angler Tournament Trail, Lay Lake
Aug 22 - Sylacauga Marine and ATV Tournament, Lake Jordan
2010-11 Hunting/Fishing
Digest Available
Besides being packed with all you need to know about what, when and where to hunt or fish, the 2010–2011 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest also has articles on control techniques for feral hogs and the genetic enhancement of Alabama’s largemouth bass. Copies are available from ADCNR or online here.
Planning a State
Park Stay is Easier
Than Ever
Did you know that online reservations are available for some facilities at Joe Wheeler, Lakepoint, DeSoto and Guntersville State Parks? Just visit the links to check availability. More parks will be going online soon.
|
_01.jpg){kind=small}
_02.jpg){kind=small}
_03.jpg){kind=small}
_04.jpg){kind=small}
_05.jpg){kind=small}
_06.jpg){kind=small}
_07.jpg){kind=small}
_08.jpg){kind=small}
_09.jpg){kind=small}
_10.jpg)
_11.jpg)
_12.jpg){kind=small}
