Last weekend's wild weather may have thrown a wrench into travel plans, but the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board (CA still managed to convene at Troy University for their second meeting. Although shy one member for official biz, they dived headfirst into updates from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship gave props to Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos and ADCNR's legal eagles for their stellar work during the recent legislative session. Key bills were on the table, including HB1, tweaking seafood dealer license fees. Good news: the extra dough will now boost the "Sweet Grown Alabama" program, giving our local seafood a leg up! HB437, the shark warning system bill, got a makeover thanks to ADCNR's input. A workable system is on the horizon to keep beachgoers safe after verified attacks. SB64 tackled aquatic nuisance plants, making sure folks who chop 'em up also haul 'em out. Plus, SB171 puts the brakes on motorized vehicles tearing up submerged lands, like creeks and streams. Not cool, folks. HB509, dealing with deer breeders, sparked major opposition. But thanks to ADCNR and a chorus of conservation groups, compromises were struck. No random deer testing in CWD zones, plus a task force to figure out how to move deer safely from those zones. Big shoutout to the CAB members, hunters, and groups like the Alabama Wildlife Federation for standing up for our wildlife! The news wasn't all wrestling legislation. Commissioner Blankenship cheered the passing of HB186, which gives ADCNR a record-breaking $458.7 million budget! That includes cold, hard cash for sprucing up shooting ranges, state lakes, and State Parks. Plus, a million bucks for the State Wildlife Action Plan. Indigo snakes, rejoice! Boaters, get ready! Plenty of access projects are afloat. Weeks Bay Ramp parking is getting a makeover, and ribbons were cut at the fancy new County Road 6 Ramp in Baldwin County. More ramps are coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled! Get your hiking boots ready! Alabama Tourism is declaring the next two years the "Year of Alabama Trails." With hundreds of miles of trails in State Parks and Forever Wild properties, ADCNR is ready to show off our state's natural beauty. State Lands Director Patti McCurdy let folks know about hunting leases available on 140 properties across 32 counties! Get your bids in and snag some prime hunting real estate. Commissioner Blankenship bid adieu to Chuck Sykes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director, who's taking on a new gig. Sykes brought us the Special Opportunity Area hunts, extended deer season (thanks to science!), and boosted public hunting land. He always put the resource first, and we're grateful for his service. During public comment, turkey season timing was debated. Sykes stood firm, saying hunting pressure, not the calendar, is what silences those gobbles. "Put personal preferences aside and do what’s best for the resource," he urged. Another CAB meeting is set for May 29th at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in Montgomery. Hunting seasons, bag limits, and saltwater fishing rules will be on the table. Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesCAB Meeting Recap: Wildlife Wins!
Legislative Lowdown
Deer Drama
Budget Bonanza!
Boating Bliss
Trailblazing Alabama
Hunting Leases Up for Grabs
Farewell, Chuck Sykes!
Turkey Talk
Mark Your Calendars!
