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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

Christmas at the ANC set for December 15

Christmas at the ANC set for December 15

The Alabama Nature Center will host the Fifth Annual "Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center" December 15, 2012. 

Participants will be able to dine with Santa during a special luncheon, make Christmas candy, create their own hand-made Christmas decorations from native Alabama plants and enjoy a holiday hayride with Santa and his elves.

Program Lineup--December 15

MORNING EVENTS:

  • Early Winter Bird Watch - 8:15 am
  • Elf Bounce House - 9:00 am
  • Holiday Hayride through the woods - 9:00 am
  • Make your own Natural Holiday Decorations - 9:00 am-noon
  • Winter Bird Watch - 10:00 am
  • Santa Arrives at 11:00 am - Take your own holiday pictures with Santa
  • Lunch with Santa - noon
  • Hot dogs and PB&J’s for sale or bring your own lunch


AFTERNOON EVENTS start at 1:00 pm

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

Bentley announces grants to improve recreation in Autauga and Montgomery counties

Bentley announces grants to improve recreation  in Autauga and Montgomery counties

MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has announced more than $95,000 in grants to enhance recreation in Autauga and Montgomery counties.

The city of Prattville and the Autauga Creek Improvement Committee were awarded grants totaling $54,350 to help the city tap into its natural heritage and improve recreation along Autauga Creek.

The Montgomery County Commission was awarded a $36,000 grant to expand recreation opportunities on the west side of the county.

“I know of no better calling card to invite people outside than a well-maintained trail or park,” Bentley said. “I commend public officials and interested citizens for their involvement in these projects and their desire to improve the areas where the live.”

Check presentation to Prattville for 'America's Favorite Park' set for Sept. 24

Check presentation to Prattville for 'America's Favorite Park' set for Sept. 24

This summer, people from across the country cast votes for their favorite park to win big in the Coca-Cola America Is Your Park campaign. At the end of the heated, six-week contest, Prattville’s beloved Pratt Park beat out more than 16,000 others to become “America’s Favorite Park.” In addition to taking home top honors, Pratt Park won a $100,000 recreation grant from the Coca-Cola Live Positively initiative. The grant, being presented in a ceremony on September 24, will be used to install a splash pad where children and families can have active, outdoor fun. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management will announce a $42,000 grant to build the splash pad surface out of recycled tire beading.

In its third year, the spirited competition among national, state and local parks sparked community support with park events, vote-a-thons and more.