Department Operations During COVID-19

Governor Kay Ivey has issued her 22nd supplemental emergency proclamation extending the Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order. This order extends until Friday, March 5, 2021 at 5 p.m.

Extended Safer at Home Order

Safer at Home Info Sheet 1

Safer at Home Info Sheet 2

Safer at Home Info Sheet 3

Twenty-second Supplemental Emergency Proclamation

ALABAMA BEACHES

Effective April 30, 2020, at 5 p.m., Alabama beaches are open with conditions.

• All beaches shall be open to gatherings of fewer than 10 persons
• Anyone using the beaches must maintain a consistent 6-foot distance from others (excluding those living in your home)

The term “beach” means the sandy shoreline area abutting the Gulf of Mexico, whether privately or publicly owned, including beach access points.

For more information about the beach openings, please read page 5 of the Governor’s Safer at Home Order signed April 28, 2020.

FAQs About Beaches

Outdoor recreation in Alabama is considered an essential activity in the Order of the State Health Officer that was issued on April 3, 2020. That means outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing, trail use, boating, and paddling can still be enjoyed by all Alabamians as long as groups are kept to less than 10 people and a consistent 6-foot distance between persons can be maintained. Additionally, most Alabama State Parks, including campgrounds and associated facilities, remain open with some exceptions.

ADCNR strongly encourages everyone to observe the State Health Order and to practice CDC recommendations regarding hand washing and social distancing (maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others). Violating the State Health Order can result in criminal charges and fines.

Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, ADCNR recommends calling individual state parks and other facilities if you have questions about reservations or operational hours.

Most ADCNR outdoor facilities remain open for recreation.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has made the following temporary changes to its business operations for the safety of our employees and the general public.

The changes are in effect until further notice.

ALABAMA STATE PARKS

Alabama State Parks and associated facilities remain open with the exception of the following:

• Lake Guntersville's sauna and steam room are currently closed.
• Park visitors are encouraged to follow current hand washing and social distancing guidelines.
• For updates, please follow Alabama State Parks on social media. A social media directory is available at www.alapark.com/social-media-directory.

WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES DIVISION (WFF)

• State Public Fishing Lakes remain open.
• WFF most unmanned shooting and archery ranges remain open. The manned shooting ranges at the Cahaba River WMA and Swan Creek WMA will begin opening on Wednesday May 13th.  Please check the specific webpages for each range for hours. The Conecuh Shooting range located in the Conecuh National Forest is closed until furture notice. 
• WFF Wildlife Management Areas and Special Opportunity Areas remain open.
• WFF’s state and district offices: Call ahead to confirm offices are open. For a complete list of district offices visit, https://www.outdooralabama.com/top-navigation/contact-us 
• WFF managed boating access areas remain open. For a complete listing visit: http://boatramps.dcnr.alabama.gov/  NOTE: The White’s Bridge facility on Lake Harris (Wedowee) is currently closed for maintenance.

MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION

• Marine Resources Division offices in Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island offices will be open for commercial license sales only (by appointment only) on Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gulf Shores: 251-968-7576 Dauphin Island: 251-861-2882

STATE LANDS DIVISION

• Forever Wild tracts remain open for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, paddling, and hunting – as permitted.
• 5 Rivers Delta Resources Center facilities (including the Gift Shop Outdoor Market events) are closed, but the grounds remain open to the public during regular business hours for trail use and kayak launching.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• ADCNR Law Enforcement Offices are closed to the public but remain staffed to answer questions by phone. Contact information is available at www.outdooralabama.com. To report hunting or fishing violations, please call (800) 272-GAME.
• Conservation Enforcement Officers will continue to patrol state land and waterways and render aid to the public.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• The majority of ADCNR restroom facilities remain open; however, restroom access in some locations might be limited. 

Hunting and fishing licenses are still available at the license button below, through the Outdoor AL mobile app, or at various license agents located throughout the state.

Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, ADCNR recommends calling individual state parks and other facilities if you have questions about reservations or operational hours. Contact information can be found by clicking here.

ADCNR apologizes for any inconvenience during this time and we thank you for your cooperation.