07-21-2009, 03:10 PM
To draw attention to the value and importance of Alabama's lakes and reservoirs, the state has joined the rest of the nation in proclaiming the month of July as Lakes Appreciation Month. The month-long event is sponsored by North American Lake Management Society, a non-profit organization focused partnerships between citizens, scientists, and professionals in order to protect the quality of lakes and reservoirs for the benefit of all who use them.
With 548,900 surface acres of large reservoirs, Alabama has many water-related recreational opportunities available to the public including boating and fishing. In addition to the larger reservoirs, various divisions of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manage 38 smaller public lakes in 29 counties throughout the State. These lakes range in size from 6 to 1,002 acres for a total of 4,500 surface acres.
According to Stan Cook, Chief of Fisheries for the ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, anglers are experiencing the best bass fishing the state has seen in 23 years. "Recreational fishing in Alabama is a 1.4 billion dollar a year industry in Alabama, with much of that occurring in our lakes. It's only fitting that we celebrate duringLakes Appreciation Month," Cook said.
To celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month the public is encouraged to take advantage of several upcoming events in July that utilize the state's aquatic resources including the upcoming EZ Solo Trail fishing tournament at Lay Lake in Coosa County, and Russell Marine's AquaPalooza music festival to be held Saturday July 25, on Lake Martin. More events during "Lakes Appreciation Month" can be found on the ADCNR Web site, www.outdooralabama.com.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
Media Contact
Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (334) 242-3465
With 548,900 surface acres of large reservoirs, Alabama has many water-related recreational opportunities available to the public including boating and fishing. In addition to the larger reservoirs, various divisions of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manage 38 smaller public lakes in 29 counties throughout the State. These lakes range in size from 6 to 1,002 acres for a total of 4,500 surface acres.
According to Stan Cook, Chief of Fisheries for the ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, anglers are experiencing the best bass fishing the state has seen in 23 years. "Recreational fishing in Alabama is a 1.4 billion dollar a year industry in Alabama, with much of that occurring in our lakes. It's only fitting that we celebrate duringLakes Appreciation Month," Cook said.
To celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month the public is encouraged to take advantage of several upcoming events in July that utilize the state's aquatic resources including the upcoming EZ Solo Trail fishing tournament at Lay Lake in Coosa County, and Russell Marine's AquaPalooza music festival to be held Saturday July 25, on Lake Martin. More events during "Lakes Appreciation Month" can be found on the ADCNR Web site, www.outdooralabama.com.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
Media Contact
Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (334) 242-3465