Alabama Marine Police Awarded Two Homeland Security Grants

The ADCNR Marine Police Division has been awarded two grants totaling $545,194 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grants were awarded through the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) administered by FEMA, and will be used to purchase two new patrol boats, one for the Port of Guntersville and one for the Port of Mobile, which is the 10th busiest port in the country based on tonnage passing through the port. The new boats will be in operation by the summer of 2010.

ADCNR will be partnering with The Alabama Department of Homeland Security to utilize the new patrol boats as part of an overall protection strategy for the state. The new boats will be larger than those in the current Marine Police fleet, and can operate under severe weather conditions allowing for more flexibility in emergency situations. When necessary, the new patrol boats will serve as mobile command and control platforms that can accommodate FBI, State Trooper or SWAT assistance. For more information on the grants and other federal stimulus program grants awarded to the ADCNR click here.

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First Round of Invasive Snail Control a Success

Initial efforts to control the spread of an invasive species of snail in Langan municipal park lake and Threemile creek, in Mobile, Ala., are being considered a success. According to WFF Biologist Ben Ricks, the volunteers removed an estimated 1,000 pounds of eggs from the creek and lake. “Since the apple snail is dormant in cooler weather we may not know the full extent of our control efforts until next spring,” Ricks said.

In early October, Biologists from the ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with volunteers from Mobile Baykeeper, Mobile Bay NEP, and the City of Mobile, dealt a major blow to the snail population in the lake. Thousands of apple snails were killed in the lake. However, fewer snails were killed in the creek because the flowing water dispersed the copper sulfate, a molluscicide used to kill the snails. Efforts to control the snails in the creek and lake will continue next spring.

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Fly Fishing at DeSoto in the Latest Issue of Outdoor Alabama Magazine

Join Desoto State Park Superintendant Ken Thomas as he wades into the Little River for a fly fishing adventure in the October issue of Outdoor Alabama. Thomas’ narrative explains the need for stealth when attempting to land bluegill and redeye bass along the brushy banks of the Little River. The article also teaches the basics of roll casting. The roll cast is a “must have” skill when fishing in tight quarters such as the sections of narrow rivers and streams. Download the article, click here.

Other features in the October issue include: tips for maintaining natural food plots for white-tailed deer, Lakepoint Resort State Park reopens after a $12 million makeover, a profile of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division’s private lands restoration program, re-discovering the lost art of woodmanship, conservation news, and much more. For more information about Outdoor Alabama magazine, and other ADCNR publications, click here.

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Two Hiking Trails Added to the Coon Creek Forever Wild Tract in Tallapoosa Co.

The ADCNR State Lands Division has opened two new hiking trails at the Coon Creek Forever Wild Tract, the Wood Duck Trail and the Overlook Loop. The trails are near Yates Reservoir in Tallapoosa County. Both trails are free to use by the public and provide ample opportunity to observe wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, wood ducks, and several other bird species. The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Wood Duck Trail is an easy 4-mile round-trip that begins near the Coon Creek Forever Tract parking lot. The trail heads east hugging the slough of Coon Creek to a picnic area and loops back to the parking lot. The Overlook Loop also begins near the parking lot and heads west creating a 1-mile loop along the slough to the highest point on the property and back to the trailhead. Overlook Loop is relatively step in one area, but its short length makes it an easy trek.

For more information, click here.

Now is the Perfect Time to Renew Your Hunting License

Fall is here and hunting season is just around the corner. Make sure you have a license and your Antlered Buck and Turkey Harvest record with you while hunting. There are several convenient renewal options available. Licenses can be purchased at each of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Offices, city and county probate offices, various retail outlets, and over the phone 24 hours a day by calling 1-888-848-6887.

To purchase a hunting license online, or to find more information about where to hunt in Alabama, hunter education, residency requirements and much more visit the hunting section of the ADCNR Web site, http://www.outdooralabama.com.

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Get Outdoors this Fall

Fall is the perfect time to experience the wonder of Alabama’s natural heritage. This fall take advantage of the many opportunities for an Outdoor Alabama Adventure. Listed below are a just a few suggestions that are sure to create lasting memories.

Treat the family to a resort-style getaway at the newly reopened lodge at Lakepoint State Park. This picturesque park is located on the banks of Lake Eufaula, otherwise known as the “Bass Capital of the World.” click here

From guided kayak and canoe safaris of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the nation’s second largest river delta, to Delta Tours aboard “The Pelican” pontoon boat, an adventure awaits you at 5 Rivers - Alabama's Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, Ala. click here

The Wehle Nature Center in Bullock Co. will open its gates on Nov 7 and 21 for Open Trails and Community Fishing events – no admission charge. click here

Alabama Black Belt Adventures offers hunters an extensive list of private and public hunting options including Wildlife Management Areas located in Barbour County, Demopolis, Lowndes, Oakmulgee and Scotch. For more information click here.

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See the content of the current issue of Outdoor Alabama