WFF samples 356 deer for CWD on opening weekend
In a continuing effort to minimize the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division held this season’s first mandatory CWD check last weekend in Lauderdale County.
WFF staff...
New eagle statue added to Lake Guntersville State Park
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - Officials unveiled and cut a ceremonial ribbon on Friday, Feb. 2, to dedicate Lake Guntersville State Park’s newest feature, a picturesque eagle statue located at the park’s lodge.
The statue, created by artist Jenny Hendrix and inspired by a photo taken by...
WFF Fisheries continues to monitor invasive carp species
Dave Armstrong is planning to go hunting when the weather cools off, but he actually hopes he doesn’t find an abundance of the species he’s stalking.
Armstrong is the Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and...
ADCRN’s Blankenship testifies before House Committee about impact of GOMESA funds
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - At the request of Alabama Representative Jerry Carl (R) and the House Natural Resources Committee, Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship traveled to Washington, D.C., recently to testify about the crucial funding Alabama receives from oil and gas leases through the Gulf of...
ADCNR: Deepwater Horizon settlement projects surpass $1B
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With the conflict among deer hunting factions at an all-time low, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Commissioner Chris Blankenship used last weekend’s Conservation Advisory Board meeting in Huntsville to update the Board on the numerous projects in the...
Orange Beach boat lands potential record blue marlin
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - When word got around that Orange Beach boat “Best Trait” was headed to Orange Beach Marina with a huge blue marlin on board, a crowd quickly gathered at the marina to watch the weigh-in.
As the 55-foot Viking sportfishing vessel owned...
ADCNR: Celebration of bats continues at Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Bats are ubiquitous during the Halloween season, but these creatures deserve celebration year-round for their contribution to our sustainable food production. By eating insects by the billions, bats save U.S. agriculture as much as $3.7 billion per year in pest control....
Duck hunters should take advantage of this year’s special teal season
Although overall duck numbers are up in the latest Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, those waterfowlers who hunt the special teal season better plan to take full advantage of this year’s early season of 16 days, set for Sept. 14-29.
Seth Maddox of the...
Alabama’s Free Fishing Day takes place June 8
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Alabamians and out-of-state visitors alike will have the opportunity to fish for free in most public waters including both freshwater and saltwater. Free Fishing Day allows residents and non-residents to enjoy the outstanding fishing Alabama has...
Alabama saltwater records continue to fall
As saltwater fishing for 2024 heads into the peak seasons, a look back at 2023 reveals another record-breaking year for those who fish Alabama’s coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico.
The catch that went viral with news agencies around the world picking up the...
Community leaders celebrate renovations at Gulf State Park Pier
GULF SHORES, Ala. - Local civic, business and community leaders gathered to cut a ceremonial ribbon and celebrate the re-opening of iconic Gulf State Park Pier, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
The pier underwent an extensive renovation and reopened to the public last month. Friday’s...
‘Connecting with Conservation’ highlights funding for state wildlife agencies
How conservation and outdoors recreation are funded throughout the nation is somewhat of a mystery for most people.
In an effort to inform the public about where state wildlife and fisheries agencies get the money to conserve habitat and provide quality outdoors recreation, the Alabama...
Marine Resources asks anglers for help with fishing effort survey
If you fish in Alabama coastal and/or offshore waters, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) may soon ask for your help as it begins a pilot study in 2024 to gain data on recreational fishing effort for...
Gulf State Park Pier reopens to the public
GULF SHORES, Ala. - The renovated Gulf State Park Pier reopened on Monday, Aug.19, welcoming people to the iconic Gulf Coast landmark for the first time in more than nine months.
The pier closed in November 2023 for the $13.6 million renovation project, with contractor...
Beach renourishment continues along Alabama coast
For those planning trips to Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast for spring break or summer vacation, expect to see an abundance of change for the better, including beach renourishment projects at the East End of Dauphin Island and in Baldwin County from west of Little...
Legislation introduced to protect Alabama’s underwater forest
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, recently introduced the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary Act. This bill would preserve a submerged ancient forest, largely comprised of cypress trees, that was discovered near Gulf Shores, Alabama, after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Tuberville’s...
Alabama Power, ADCNR team up to build offshore reefs
With landfills reaching capacity, what could be a better way to repurpose decommissioned equipment than using it to build habitat for Alabama’s great offshore fisheries?
Alabama Power Company recently teamed up with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD)...
Mulberry Fork access upgraded at Garden City River Park
GARDEN CITY, Ala. - One of Alabama’s most popular paddling destinations recently received a significant upgrade. State and local officials celebrated the opening of the renovated Garden City River Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 24. The renovations were made possible by a settlement...
Alabama State Parks marks progress in major renovations
With more than $150 million available for renovations, repairs and construction, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks System is in the middle of major upgrades and enhancements to help State Parks’ guests embrace and enjoy Alabama’s natural beauty.
State Parks...
91st ADSFR adds dock space, new categories
A new dock and boardwalk, a new live weigh-in category and a new species for catch and release are among the highlights for the 91st annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR), set for July 19-21 at the rodeo site on Dauphin Island.
The new...
Wonderland Under Warrior returns to Rickwood Caverns State Park
WARRIOR, Ala. - Rickwood Caverns State Park’s signature cave system transforms into an immersive winter wonderland known as “Wonderland Under Warrior” during the holiday season, and it’s back for an eighth year.
Visitors navigate a self-guided tour through a series of holiday-themed rooms, such as...
Repairs begin to make Gulf State Park Pier whole again
GULF SHORES, Ala. - Lamar Pendergrass had a dream several years ago when he became the South Region Operations Supervisor for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks Division.
Pendergrass’s goal was to restore and upgrade the Gulf State Park Pier...
Alabama Trustees release Restoration Plan IV with $24.1M in coastal restoration projects
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Restoration Plan IV with projects that address damages to Alabama’s natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 has been approved by the Alabama Trustee Implementation Group of the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) program.
The final...
Winners of 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest announced
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest. As usual, the judges had a very difficult time selecting the winning photos from the nearly 2,000 images that...
