Your information source for exciting programs, events and activities throughout the state. Please feel free to forward this issue to a friend and Share The Wonder.

The next meeting of the Conservation Advisory Board will be at Guntersville State Park Lodge on March 8. The Conservation Advisory Board assists and advises on matters relating to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, including setting seasons and bag limits. If you wish to address the board you must register by 8 a.m. The meeting will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

The Conservation Department needs your help! We want to know how many deer you harvested this past season. If you hunted but didn't harvest a deer, that information is important to us as well. [Report harvest]

The winners of the 2008 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest have been announced and the photos are now online. This year's winners showcase Alabama's scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.

Help Alabama's Wildlife

If you're one of the Alabama tax payers who receive a state income tax refund, you could turn all or part of that refund into helping nongame wildlife. Your tax-deductible donation can help one or more of the 900-plus wildlife species in Alabama classified as "nongame" or illegal to hunt. You can play a major part in ensuring that wildlife in our state continues to flourish for the enjoyment and education of generations to come by simply opting to Checkoff for Wildlife on your Alabama state income tax return using Form 40 with Schedule DC.

Question of the Month

QUESTION: I've heard that Alabama has some state-owned lakes where I can fish. Where are these located?

ANSWER: The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages 23 public lakes in 20 counties throughout the state. These lakes are perfect places to take your family for a day of fishing. Visit the Web site for complete details on locations, fees and operating hours.