Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging residents to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day and National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 26, by visiting the state’s public lands.
“Some of the finest hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation anywhere in the world can be found right here in our own backyard,” Ivey said in a statement Thursday. “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.”
The fourth Saturday in September has been designated National Hunting and Fishing Day since 1972 to highlight the role of hunting, fishing and shooting sports in conservation. National Public Lands Day, established in 1994, recognizes the value of public lands and the volunteers who help care for them.
Alabama has more than 1 million acres of public hunting land, 21 state parks, 23 public fishing lakes, 12 public shooting ranges, 20 community archery parks and nearly 300,000 acres of Forever Wild land. The state ranks fourth nationally in species diversity.
Outgoing Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship praised Ivey’s focus on outdoor recreation and conservation.
“Having quality access to outdoor recreation is a vital aspect of improving the quality of life for all Alabamians,” Blankenship said. “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.”
Since Ivey took office in 2017, the department has invested more than $525 million in outdoor recreation improvements, according to the governor’s office. The work includes more than $350 million in state park improvements, more than 100 miles of new hiking, biking and kayaking trails, $76 million in beach restoration, more than 50 boating access projects and artificial reef improvements. Ivey and Blankenship have also secured more than $318 million in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds for 143 projects in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
The governor’s office said purchases of recreational hunting and fishing licenses and excise taxes on certain equipment fund much of the state’s conservation work. Federal funds match license revenue through the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration acts, supporting wildlife and fisheries management.
“Outdoor recreation and ecotourism are an important part of our state’s economy,” Ivey said. “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.”
“Alabama’s great outdoors is part of our way of life and, increasingly, our economic success,” Ivey added. “These time-honored traditions support our jobs, strengthen our communities and bring people from near and far to Alabama. We have invested big in our outdoors, and I am proud we are leaving it better than we found it.”
