Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday encouraged all Alabamians to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day and National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 26, by getting outdoors on public lands across the state, including wildlife management areas, state public fishing lakes, Forever Wild lands, state parks and along Alabama's Gulf Coast.
"Some of the finest hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation anywhere in the world can be found right here in our own backyard," said Governor Ivey. "We are blessed to call God's country home, so I encourage Alabamians to put down the phones, get outdoors and enjoy all we are blessed with. Better yet, take the kids or grandkids along and pass our great Alabama outdoor traditions on to the next generation."
Since 1972, the fourth Saturday in September has been designated National Hunting and Fishing Day to highlight the role hunting, fishing and shooting sports play in U.S. conservation efforts. It is proclaimed annually by Governor Ivey. National Public Lands Day, established in 1994, celebrates public lands such as Alabama State Parks, wildlife management areas and Forever Wild lands, and promotes the role volunteers play in supporting outdoor recreation access.
"Having quality access to outdoor recreation is a vital aspect of improving the quality of life for all Alabamians," said Outgoing Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship. "I am honored that Governor Ivey has made outdoor recreation, habitat restoration and wildlife conservation priorities during her Administration. We look forward to continuing our efforts to increase access to public lands and outdoor recreation throughout the state."
Alabama offers more than one million acres of public hunting land, 21 state parks, 23 state public fishing lakes, 12 public shooting ranges, 20 community archery parks, nearly 300,000 acres of Forever Wild lands, excellent bass fishing and the largest artificial reef program in the world.
Since 2017, ADCNR under Governor Ivey's leadership has invested more than $525 million in outdoor recreation improvements, including more than $350 million in state park enhancements, more than 100 miles of new hiking, biking and kayaking trails, $76 million in beach renourishment, more than 50 boating access projects and major artificial reef enhancements. More than $318 million in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds have supported 143 projects in Mobile and Baldwin counties, and more than $1.27 billion in Deepwater Horizon oil spill recovery projects have been completed, are underway or approved in Coastal Alabama.
"Outdoor recreation and ecotourism are an important part of our state's economy," said Governor Ivey. "Hunting, fishing, shooting sports, hiking, mountain biking and paddling create jobs for thousands of Alabamians. When folks take part in these activities they are creating a more prosperous future for us all."