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Most state public fishing lakes now open

Most state public fishing lakes now open

February 1 marked the return of fishing season at 20 of Alabama’s 23 State Public Fishing Lakes. Commonly known as state lakes or county lakes, these waters are noted for their amenities and their quality fishing for bream, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie (in some lakes). Because these smaller lakes warm more quickly than larger reservoirs, early spring fishing can be excellent. Anglers may fish from the pier, bank, rental boat or personal boat.

“State public fishing lakes are the ultimate family fishing destination,” said Jack Turner, State Lakes Supervisor for the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF). “All lakes except Pike County Lake have a concession building with snacks, drinks, restrooms and personnel who provide fishing advice. The concessionaires have mowed areas along the shoreline for fishing.

AL Dept. of Tourism and AL Cooperative Extension System offer plenty of events in 2013

AL Dept. of Tourism and AL Cooperative Extension System offer plenty of events in 2013

Looking for something to do in Alabama in 2013? 

Alabama's Department of Tourism has a calendar of events that will direct you to the great events planned statewide for 2013.  You can view the calendar here.

Another great source for information on events is the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.  Its mission is to help people and communities improve their quality of life and economic well-being through the Extension's program areas.

Find out what ACES is doing in your community  by clicking here.

 

Alabama State Parks offer discounted lodging for hunters

Alabama State Parks offer discounted lodging for hunters

Outdoor Alabama has announced that some Alabama State Parks are offering special lodging packages for hunters now through February 2013.

“Hunters are an important part of Alabama’s natural heritage,” said Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein. “The funding generated by hunting license sales is combined with federal matching dollars, which helps support public lands such as WMAs. Without Alabama’s hunters, access to public recreational land could be more limited. We appreciate all of what our hunters do for wildlife and land conservation.”

Click here to read the full story

Source: Outdoor Alabama

Alabama State Parks to honor veterans by offering free admission this weekend

Alabama State Parks to honor veterans by offering free admission this weekend

Alabama's 22 State Parks is offering free admission for veterans this Veterans Day weekend, starting tomorrow, November 10th.

In honor of Veterans Day, Alabama State Parks will waive the entrance fee for veterans at all of its 22 state parks on Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11. Anyone who indicates they are a veteran will be admitted into the park day-use areas without charge. No identification will be required.

For more information, click here.

Source: Outdoor Alabama

Alabama Tourism releases next round of 10 road trips

Alabama Tourism releases next round of 10 road trips

The latest round of road trips released today by the Alabama Tourism Department include spending the night at one of state’s last active plantations, hiking one of the largest river canyons in the Southeast and taking a ferry to a remote hideaway to see the renowned Gee’s Bend quilters.

The next 10 trips include:

  • Gulf Coast Family Fun
  • Gee’s Bend: Pastimes to Patchwork
  • Discover Dothan: The Heart of Alabama’s Wiregrass
  • Famous Alabama Hometown Heroes
  • Bicentennial Road Trip from Burnt Corn to Horseshoe Bend
  • Florence: Alabama’s Renaissance City
  • Rocking and Rolling on the Mountains
  • Fort Payne: The View from Lookout Mountain
  • Alabama’s Coastal Connection: National Scenic Byway
  • Greensboro and Marion: Interesting People, Places & Food.

“We now have 30 road trips posted online and each provides detailed itineraries for families, couples, friends and individuals,” s

Lein appointed Alabama State Parks Director

Lein appointed Alabama State Parks Director

Gregory M. Lein has been appointed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) as the new director of the State Parks Division. Lein is a native of Huntsville, Ala., and attended Auburn University for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Most recently he served as assistant director of Alabama State Lands, also a division of ADCNR, where he was heavily involved in managing the Forever Wild Land Trust Program.
 
Conservation Commissioner N. Gunter Guy Jr. said Lein’s selection is a reflection of his adept managerial and leadership skills. “Greg is a diligent, enthusiastic leader in our Department. Under his guidance, Forever Wild and other programs have flourished. I have no doubt he will bring those same skills to the Parks Director position.”
 
Lein says that outdoor recreation, the heart of the Alabama State Parks mission, is something very important to him.

Troopers prepare for 4th of July safety blitz

Troopers prepare for 4th of July safety blitz

As motorists across Alabama celebrate the Fourth of July, Alabama State Troopers prepare for heavier- than-usual traffic.

All available troopers will be on duty during the Fourth of July holiday safety blitz, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, and runs through midnight Sunday, July 8. They will enforce all traffic laws, assist motorists and serve as visible reminders to drive safely. In addition to routine patrol operations, enforcement plans include license and sobriety checkpoints, saturation and line patrols, and operation of laser speed detection devices (LIDAR) from stationary vantage points.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety’s director, Col. Hugh B.