Woodcock monitoring program tracks migration routes
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Seth Maddox will head out in February with other Division biologists to do some woodcock hunting. Yes, that is after the woodcock hunting season closes Jan. 31, but Maddox will not be using a conventional harvest...
Alabama’s outdoors provides solutions for social distancing
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
While Governor Kay Ivey and Dr. Scott Harris, chair of the Governor's COVID-19 Task Force, work hard alongside other state, national, and private enterprise leaders to mitigate the effects of the novel coronavirus and bring its...
Sportsman Lake Park ‘All Day Fun’ event June 3
CULLMAN, Ala. – This Saturday, June 3, Cullman County Parks and Recreation will host “All Day Fun” at Sportsman Lake Park.
Train rides will go until 9 p.m. and paddle boats and bikes will be available for rental until 7. The concession stand will be...
ATF promotes fireworks safety
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wants the public to be safe during the Fourth of July. Understanding the dangers associated with illegal or improperly used/manufactured fireworks can prevent severe injuries, disfigurement or even death.
Illegal devices are not fireworks,...
4-H Adventure Classes begin in January
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Extension Office announced an exciting new set of educational courses for Cullman County’s 4-H program in 2024. Three new Adventure Classes will introduce children and teens aged 9-18 to hiking, kayaking and camping.
“The goal of this new club...
Wallace State’s Blackwood, Chambers lead at Bassmaster College Series event on Saginaw Bay
BANGOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Despite a three-hour run and a slow start to the day, the Wallace State Community College team of Clent Blackwood and Bryar Chambers sacked up 21 pounds, 15 ounces of smallmouth bass on Saginaw Bay to take the lead...
Hawley wants to leave turkey hunting legacy
At the recent Alabama Conservation Advisory Board meeting in Montgomery, one of the people who took advantage of the opportunity to address the Board was David Hawley of Livingston, Alabama. At that meeting on March 6, the Board approved a motion to open the...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens August 2
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2022 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries on Monday, August 2, 2021. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline for entry...
Black Belt Adventures urges hunters to donate venison
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Hunters Helping the Hungry has provided more than a half-million pounds of ground venison to those in need in Alabama, and the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is encouraging hunters to make a special effort...
R3 campaign encourages Alabamians to get outdoors
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
With the social distancing requirements from COVID-19, many people have turned to the outdoors to escape the impact of the lockdowns.
The number of people fishing and hunting for a variety of game species has seen a...
Duck River Reservoir boat ramps closing at 5 p.m. today
CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman has announced the temporary closure of its boat ramps at the Duck River Reservoir today, May 20 as water levels are lowered for inspection and maintenance of the Duck River Dam.
On Wednesday, the City issued this notice:
Duck...
New water monitoring project in Alabama’s national forests
AUBURN, Ala. – Community members in all areas of the state will soon have the chance to help shape the future of watershed management in Alabama.
Alabama Water Watch (AWW), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, announces the launch of...
ACES: 4 ways to participate in National Bird Feeding Month
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - February is among one of the most important months for feeding birds in Alabama, as backyard songbirds have limited access to their favorite foods during the winter. Grab a camera and join the Alabama Cooperative Extension System outdoors to participate...
Tips for hunting the rut in Alabama
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
While the white-tailed deer rut has come and gone in a few areas in Alabama, hunters in the majority of the state are dealing with the December doldrums, waiting for the breeding season to begin in...
Cullman County’s Ryleigh Jordan places in Alabama National Fair Youth Sheep Show
Alabama National Fair preserves decades of tradition
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Smells of fresh pine shavings and a buzz of excitement hung in the air around Teague Arena as youth showmen and their parents prepared for the 70th Alabama National Fair. Exhibitors from across the state...
Seed saving 101
Bethany A. O’Rear, regional horticulture agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System
As our summer vegetable and flower gardens are winding down, why not get a head start for next year? Seed saving is a great way to preserve those hard to find varieties...
Begin deer season with food safety in mind
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Withdeer season opening Oct. 15, Mark Smith, a wildlife scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says hunters need a game plan to get venison from the field to the table safely.
“Hunters need a plan for managing heat, moisture and bacterial contamination,” said...
Tips and tricks to avoid picking up ticks
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). Know which ticks are most common in your area.
Before You Go Outdoors
Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy or wooded areas, or even on animals....
ACES: Watch out for Black Widow spiders this fall
AUBURN, Ala. - Black Widow spiders are some of the most recognizable spiders. The shiny black body and red hourglass marking on the female spider are clear markers of this spider. This fall, whether working in the yard or cleaning out garages, watch out...
In Alabama, conservation Is for the birds
WASHINGTON D.C. - Whether called the Yellowhammer State or the Cotton State, an abundance of birds call the state of Alabama home. “Yellowhammer” in fact refers to the common name for the northern flicker woodpecker — which just happens to be the official state...
Northern flicker: The story behind Alabama’s state bird
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – In Alabama, one of the most iconic and historic creatures is the Northern flicker. These distinguished birds are found in forests, neighborhoods and parks across the state–reminding residents of the species’ significant heritage. The Northern flicker, also known as the...
Alabama’s forests: clearing the air
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – One of the world’s largest sources of carbon can likely be found in your backyard. In fact, trees are some of most efficient carbon-capturing organisms in the world. Alabama’s forests work around the clock moving this element and making the...
Guide to Alabama’s venomous snakes
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Summertime is in full throttle, and outdoor enthusiasts are being extra cautious because of snakes. Most native Alabama snake species are not venomous. However, there are several toxic species that you need to be able to identify.
Venomous snakes in Alabama
According...
WFF holding CWD information meeting at Wallace State Oct. 22
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - This fall, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is hosting a series of public meetings throughout the state to provide information about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), WFF’s CWD surveillance efforts in Alabama and how hunters can assist.
CWD is...
Gulf State Park section succumbs to Sally’s surge
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
One aspect of living on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast is the realization that the best-laid plan is no match for Mother Nature.
The original plan was to gather Sept. 16 at the Gulf State Park Pier to...
Don’t get complacent about hunter safety
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Although the number of hunting accidents has held steady for the last several years, Captain Marisa Futral doesn’t want Alabama’s hunters to take anything for granted during the state’s lengthy hunting seasons.
Futral, the Alabama Wildlife and...
Palomino RV Resort hits full capacity for Memorial Day
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s investment in the development of an RV park, the Palomino RV Resort, at the Burrow Farm site on County Road 222 saw a great payoff this Memorial Day weekend.
Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Director Zac Wood shared that the...
Live Christmas trees: Recycle and reuse
AUBURN, Ala. - The parties are over and the decorations are packed. Now, there is just one thing left to do – get rid of the Christmas tree. For those who have live Christmas trees, this can sometimes be a bothersome issue. Luckily, there...
Alabama PALS kicks off 2021 “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” Spring Cleanup
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 statewide “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup will be held during the entire month of April. The cleanup is held annually and coordinated by Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State), which also coordinates and implements the Alabama...
Last-minute Christmas gifts for outdoors enthusiasts
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Buying Christmas gifts for those who love the outdoors can be a daunting task simply because we tend to already be outfitted for every excursion into the woods or on the water.
If you’re struggling to find...
Zip in for some fun!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The ribbon was cut on the grand opening of Smith Lake Ziplines Friday, June 2, with representatives from the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Cullman County Commission and more on-hand to celebrate with owners Craig Chapman and Brian Waldrep.
Smith Lake...
Lightning bugs: summer’s night light
AUBURN, Ala. – Many southerners have fond memories of catching lightning bugs on a summer’s night. The fascination surrounding these insects always invoke curious questions. An Alabama Cooperative Extension System professional provides some of the basic information on lightning bugs.
Lightning bug or firefly?
It is...
Alabama State Parks provided safe haven for Alabamians in 2020
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State Parks found a new purpose during an eventful 2020.
State officials kept the parks open as a safe recreational option during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the parks’ wide-open spaces and variety of activities made it possible to practice social distancing...
Fall: Time for a garden refresh
AUBURN, Ala. - As autumn brings cooler temperatures to Alabama, it looks as if summer heat is on the way out. Pleasant weather has drawn many southern gardeners out to make lawn and garden updates.
Whether it is general maintenance—like pruning branches—or raking fallen leaves...
Alabama State Parks naturalists to provide virtual programming
For all those nature lovers who are unable to visit one of the beautiful Alabama State Parks due to the COVID-19 precautionary measures, the State Park Naturalists will bring the parks to you via modern technology.
During the effort to prevent the spread of the...
Sheriff Gentry issues lake safety tips
CULLMAN, Ala. – With an increased number of incidents on the water this summer the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) wants the community to be aware of their surroundings while on the water.
“I want to encourage everyone that comes to the lake to follow...
‘Truth in Nature is tight lines, steady aim and a cleansed heart’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Truth in Nature held an educational day for the young men of the Cullman chapter Saturday, June 26. The first half the day began with the boys learning to build picnic tables with the instruction of Chapter Leader Brian Burchett. The...
Greater Amberjack, Gray Triggerfish and Flounder season reminders
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) reminds anglers that the recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters closes November 1, 2021. The season will remain closed through April 30, 2022...
Complacency often leads to treestand, firearms accidents
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s Hunter Education Program wants to teach old hunters new safety tricks. Actually, these are not new safety tricks, but experienced hunters seem to be failing to follow them,...
Hunting season dates announced for 2020-2021
The 2020-2021 hunting season will bring big changes for white-tailed deer hunters in a few parts of Alabama with the creation of two new deer zones. The newly created zones D and E will allow hunters to gun hunt before and during the peak...
Strawberry Festival is back, coming May 1
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism touts active slate starting this week with archery and pro fishing tournaments
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s Strawberry Festival has been a community institution since its inception in 1939. The 2019 80th anniversary event saw record attendance numbers of more...
Naturally Alabama: Danger follows the buzz of summer
Every summer here in Alabama, there is an eerie buzz in the woods. Those living close to water are used to the regular serenade of croaking frogs. Their croaking usually begins just before sundown and continues until its crescendo around the crowing of the...
Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries announces special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Day
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) has designated Saturday, February 5, 2022, as the second of the 2021-2022 hunting season’s Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. The first of the two special waterfowl hunting...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 2
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2023 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is...
Registration now open for Alabama’s Adult Mentored Hunting Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Learning to hunt may seem out of reach for those who didn’t grow up with hunting as part of their family tradition. For those individuals, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)...
Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center reopens May 22
PELHAM, Ala. - The Oak Mountain Interpretive Center (OMIC) at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama, will celebrate its reopening Saturday, May 22, with a daylong schedule of events for families and children of all ages. The event will feature guided tours of...
Dance2Fit in Art Park
CULLMAN, Ala. - Every Tuesday and Thursday night, Kelsey Wooten gears up, grabs her sneakers and heads to southwest Cullman’s Art Park for her Dance2Fit outdoor classes.
Teaching a dance fitness class wasn’t Wooten’s plan for her future; in fact, she was attending classes at...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 1
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest is now accepting entries. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is Oct. 31, 2023.
The 2024...
Naturally Alabama: Plinking on the roof
Everyone is saying it: “This has been a crazy year.” The coronavirus has made its impact on human health and society around the world. While we are embroiled in the tempest of COVID, let me remind you of something that calmly happens every year...
Memorial Day boating safety tips from the CCSO
CULLMAN, Ala. – Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, when many will be hitting the water at Smith Lake and other areas, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry is advising residents to be safe on the water.
“Don’t boat under the influence, make sure everyone has the...
Blue-green algae causes concern for dog owners
AUBURN, Ala. - Blue-green algae has caused several cases of dog poisonings and deaths across the country. While poisonings from these algae are nothing new, in recent years problems have been worse. These reports have many pet owners wanting to know more about these...
B.A.S.S., Alabama Power, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance & the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources host dedication ceremony for new pavilion at Smith Lake
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Participation in angling has hit new highs in the past year, and a new public use pavilion built by skilled volunteers from the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance as part of an Alabama Power and B.A.S.S. conservation partnership is offering a much-needed place...
Black panthers: Uncovering another big cat mystery
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — From high-school mascots to the Marvel Universe, black panthers have appeared in many forms in today’s culture. However, is this big cat real or just an illustrated piece of fiction? Alabama Cooperative Extension System wildlife experts are here to help...
Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Day Feb. 6
The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) has designated Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 as the second of the 2020-2021 hunting season’s Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. The first of the two special waterfowl hunting days took place...
Venison recipes perfect for holidays
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
When that Thanksgiving turkey has been reduced to a discarded carcass, it’s time to break out those wild game and fish recipes to enjoy the feast Alabama’s outdoors offers.
With Alabama’s white-tailed deer season in full swing,...
Good Hope anglers Arnold, Curington narrowly miss final round of Mossy Oak Fishing High School Championship
PARIS, Tenn. – Kentucky Lake is the site of this year’s Mossy Oak Fishing High School Championship and a pair of local boats were out on the water competing. Good Hope Fishing Team is represented on Kentucky Lake by Colton Williams and Landon Graham...
Yellow Jackets most aggressive in fall
AUBURN, Ala. – With fall just around the corner, the time when yellow jackets are at their most aggressive is fast approaching. To make matters worse, Alabama is experiencing unusually high yellow jacket populations this year. It’s important that people be on the lookout...
WFF reactivates 800 number for Game Check
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The toll-free Game Check phone number, 1-800-888-7690, is back and better than ever. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reactivated the number for hunters to comply with the reporting requirements for the...
Public support of conservation efforts at State Parks improve natural habitats for wildlife and visitors
Smoke billows into the sky, visible to nearby residents and motorists as a sign that something is burning in the Alabama forest.
It’s a prescribed fire at Oak Mountain State Park, which sometimes causes alarm because the smoke can be seen from Interstate 65 or...
Wood duck mates determine migration routes
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
In the waterfowl world, Alabama’s most abundant species, the wood duck, is not known for migrating long distances.
It turns out, the wood duck migration patterns follow a “boy meets girl” scenario. Boy meets girl; girl flies...
Parks officials working to reopen portion of Gulf State Park Pier
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Gulf State Park on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast will be a beehive of activity now and into the future.
One of the priorities is to get a portion of the popular Gulf State Park Pier open after...
How to start a vegetable garden
CULLMAN, Ala. - With quarantine still underway, some are itching to get outside and some are picking up new hobbies to pass the time. For those interested in starting a vegetable garden, Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover’s got you covered.
Glover forwarded the Alabama...
Enjoying a fire pit, responsibly
CULLMAN, Ala. - Fall is a great time to gather around a backyard fire pit and enjoy the cooler weather. Cullman Fire Marshal Chris Chaffin described enjoying a fire pit as “like camping without being at the campground.” But, like any activity involving fire,...
Ivey proclaims National Hunting and Fishing Day
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday, Sept. 21, signed a proclamation celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Since 1972, the fourth Saturday in September has been designated as National Hunting and Fishing Day to highlight the...
Controlled burns top tool for wildlife, land managers
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Social media has been filled with smoke and fire lately as many land managers, like the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), conduct controlled burns to enhance the flora and fauna throughout the state.
Steven...
WFF’s goal: Make public fishing lakes even better
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes (PFLs) program is adapting to better serve the citizens of the state who depend on these lakes for recreational angling opportunities.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division...
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System talks black bears in Alabama
AUBURN, Ala. – On vacations to the Tennessee or Georgia mountains, many hope to catch a glimpse of a black bear or two. What some don’t realize is there are populations of black bears living right here in Alabama. In fact, the black bear...
Why do leaves change colors?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Crisp, cool mornings and long shadows signal that fall has truly set in. With a transition into cooler weather, comes a transition with the vibrant colors of fall leaves. Often it seems as if this change happened over night. This...
Agriplex holds 3rd annual Nature Day Camp
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex’s third annual Nature Day Camp took children ages 10-14 on a journey, teaching them about Native American heritage skills including hiking, canoeing, fishing, heritage crafts and storytelling. Campers visited conservation sites and parks to explore their natural...
BOARsighted: A look into wild pig management
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Wild pigs are arguably one of the most detrimental wildlife species. These animals have the potential to decimate crops, wildlife habitat and food plots. Virtually every natural resource can be affected by these creatures. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System encourages...
Summertime snake sightings
CULLMAN, Ala. - Reports of snake sightings are on the rise, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the snake population has increased from previous years. The Tribune spoke to naturalist and wildlife biologist Marianne Hudson, conservation outreach specialist with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Division...
Oak Mountain State Park suffers tornado damage
PELHAM, Ala. – Severe weather, including an apparent tornado, moved through northern Shelby County Thursday and caused damage at Oak Mountain State Park.
The park suffered widespread tree damage in areas near Alabama Highway 119, as well as damage to the park’s campground and cable...
Free admission to AL State Parks Sept. 24
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – All entrance and parking fees for Alabama State Parks will be waived on National Public Lands Day, which takes place Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.
“The past few years have shown us just how important outdoor recreation is to our health and wellbeing,”...
Go Fish, Alabama! teaches basics of fishing
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of fishing, but didn’t know where to begin? The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has developed a beginner fishing course just for you.WFF’s “Go...
Cullman’s Hopper and Franks get redemption in High School Classic
FORT WORTH, Texas — Implementing a two-stage game plan, Brody Hopper and Landon Franks of Alabama’s Cullman High School caught a five-bass limit of 13 pounds, 1 ounce to win the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Classic presented by Academy Sports +...
Conservation Advisory Board considers deer zones, turkey reporting
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The first Alabama Conservation Advisory Board meeting of 2020 resulted in a wealth of good news and one disappointing statistic.
The good news included a 35-day, state-managed red snapper season, a productive oyster season, an increase in...
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....
Ivey issues statewide ‘No Burn Order’
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration – often referred to as a “No Burn Order” – prohibiting all outdoor burning in Alabama. This order is effective Nov. 9, 2023. at 8 a.m. CST.
“Alabama is currently experiencing extremely dry...
Alabama sets 1st sandhill crane hunting season in 103 years
Alabama hunters will have their first opportunity in 103 years to hunt a migratory bird that has been making a steady comeback for the past few decades.
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division will conduct a draw hunt of 400 permits to hunt...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 3
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries Monday, Aug. 3, 2020. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is...
Cullman County parks summer events
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Parks and Recreation and the Cullman County Commission have many fun events planned for the public this summer. Cullman County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Davenport and Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons shared some details.
The Smith Lake Park...
Reintroduction of the Eastern indigo snake in the Southeast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Eastern indigo snake, one of the longest snakes native to the United States, calls the Southeast home. Unfortunately, this staple reptile’s survival is at risk, especially in Alabama. In fact, these snakes are a federally threatened species under the...
Don’t be stumped by the 2022 timber market
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Alabama timber industry is successfully healing after the COVID-19 pandemic’s temporary crippling of the market two years ago. The virus’s impact on mill capacity rates and lumber prices started in early 2020, and it is still likely to cause...
New license allows hunting of feral swine, coyotes at night
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature this week, new legislation will provide hunters in Alabama with another opportunity to harvest two specific animals. The legislation allows Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship to establish a season for hunting feral hogs and coyotes at night...
ADCNR strengthens safeguards against nonnative species
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Due to ecological, economic, and human health and safety concerns related to the potential impacts of nonnative animals, Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-.26 has been amended to prohibit any person, firm, association, or corporation from possessing, selling, offering for sale, importing, bringing,...
Participate in Alabama Backyard BioBlitz June 5
FAIRHOPE, Ala. - All Alabamians are invited to join Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in celebrating World Environment Day by participating in the Alabama Backyard BioBlitz Friday, June 5, 2020. The event encourages the public to explore and document the natural world from...
John Cox claims victory at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lewis Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. (March 14, 2021) – After leading the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2 – Lewis Smith Lake for most of the event, it’s no surprise that Berkley pro John Cox of DeBary, Florida, pulled out...
Federal, state programs guarantee boating access
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Hank Weldon is a native Alabamian and a traveling man. As a director of student and junior tournaments for Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, he’s seen a lot of fishing spots.
Few, he said, can rival those found in his home state.
“If you...
Roads and parking areas at Lake Guntersville State Park paved with longer-lasting asphalt made from recycled tires
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - Officials with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management on Tuesday showed off newly resurfaced roads and parking areas at Lake Guntersville State Park paved with asphalt made with materials from items...
Naturally Alabama: Imported danger to our native hemlocks
Welcome to “Naturally Alabama!” For a while now I have desired to write a series of articles based on what I have encountered in almost 40 years of working in the forest. What you will receive by reading this article is some research-based information...
Begin 2024 with a First Day Hike at an Alabama State Park
Alabama State Parks is hosting 11 First Day Hikes as part of a national program designed to celebrate the new year and the great outdoors. The hikes will take place at parks throughout the state, from Gulf State Park on Alabama's Gulf Coast to...
‘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...
Public land provides opportunities to hunt rut all season
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Most people think the rutting activity of white-tailed deer in Alabama occurs mostly in January and into February. However, if you’re willing to travel, hunters can take advantage of the rut in the state from mid-November...
Alabama hunters bagging big bucks this season
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Judging from the number of deer reported through the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s Game Check system and the number of trophy bucks posted on social media, Chris Cook thinks this is the best...
Black bear cubs collared in northeast Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - To say Traci Wood has a passion for bears would understate her love for the small black bear populations on opposite ends of the state in northeast and southwest Alabama.
Wood, State Wildlife Grants coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and...
Editorial: Simple swaps toward sustainability
Today, April 22, is Earth Day! www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023
Sustainability can be a hot topic these days, and in a world as busy as ours, it's typically not on the top of our to-do lists. Between the day-to-day of school drop-off line, work, shopping and family time,...
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers Heads to Lewis Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament organization, heads to Cullman, Alabama, this week, March 11-14, for the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2 – Lewis Smith Lake . This is the second...
Eagle Awareness Weekends in Guntersville planned for January and February
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Lake Guntersville State Park will host its popular Eagle Awareness Weekends starting in January 2022, through February 2022.
The events will feature live bird demonstrations, programs delivered by notable speakers and guided field trips to view eagles in their natural habitat.
The Eagle...
Discover Alabama’s national forests through water monitoring
Alabama Water Watch (AWW), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service (USFS), is excited to announce the launch of a new water quality-monitoring project in the national forests in Alabama.
This project’s goal is to encourage citizens to discover the national forests in Alabama…by testing...
With piers closed, Thornton takes to Alabama’s beautiful beaches
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
With a nickname like Pier Pounder, David Thornton of Mobile has seen his favorite pastime disappear with 2020’s double whammy of hurricanes. Hurricane Sally took the Gulf State Park Pier out of commission, and Hurricane Zeta...
