STATE HEATH ORDER – April 3, 2020
Outdoor recreation in Alabama is considered an essential activity in the Order of the State Health Officer that was issued on April 3, 2020. That means outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing, trail use, boating, and paddling can still be enjoyed by all Alabamians as long as groups are kept to less than 10 people and a consistent 6-foot distance between persons can be maintained. Additionally, most Alabama State Parks, including campgrounds and associated facilities, remain open with some exceptions.
ADCNR strongly encourages everyone to observe the State Health Order and to practice CDC recommendations regarding hand washing and social distancing (maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others). Violating the State Health Order can result in criminal charges and fines.
Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, ADCNR recommends calling individual state parks and other facilities if you have questions about reservations or operational hours.OPERATIONS BY DIVISION
Most ADCNR outdoor facilities remain open for recreation.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has made the following temporary changes to its business operations for the safety of our employees and the general public.
The changes are in effect until further notice.
ALABAMA STATE PARKS
Alabama State Parks and associated facilities remain open with the exception of the following:
- Beaches and beach access areas (including those in Gulf State Park and others located on lakes throughout the state).
- All swimming pools and designated swimming areas, museums, arcade areas, fitness centers, nature centers, planetarium, and bike-share programs are closed or suspended.
- Playgrounds and playground equipment are closed or suspended.
- Cave tours at Rickwood State Park and Cathedral Caverns State Park are closed or suspended.
- Dining and lounge operations: No onsite consumption, where open.
- Lake Guntersville’s sauna and steam room are currently closed.
- Park visitors are encouraged to follow current hand washing and social distancing guidelines.
- For updates, please follow Alabama State Parks on social media. A social media directory is available at www.alapark.com/social-media-directory.
WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES DIVISION (WFF)
- State Public Fishing Lakes remain open.
- WFF unmanned shooting and archery ranges remain open. The manned shooting ranges at the Cahaba River WMA and Swan Creek WMA will be closed until further notice.
- WFF Wildlife Management Areas and Special Opportunity Areas remain open.
- WFF’s state and district offices are closed to the public.
MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION
- Marine Resources Division offices in Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island offices will be open for commercial license sales only (by appointment only) on Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gulf Shores: 251-968-7576 Dauphin Island: 251-861-2882
STATE LANDS DIVISION
- Forever Wild tracts remain open for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, paddling, and hunting – as permitted.
- 5 Rivers Delta Resources Center facilities (including the Gift Shop Outdoor Market events) are closed, but the grounds remain open to the public during regular business hours for trail use and kayak launching.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- ADCNR Law Enforcement Offices are closed to the public but remain staffed to answer questions by phone. Contact information is available at www.outdooralabama.com. To report hunting or fishing violations, please call (800) 272-GAME.
- Conservation Enforcement Officers will continue to patrol state land and waterways and render aid to the public.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- The majority of ADCNR restroom facilities remain open; however, restroom access in some locations might be limited.
IMPORTANT LICENSE INFORMATION
Hunting and fishing licenses are still available at the license button below, through the Outdoor AL mobile app, or at various license agents located throughout the state.
Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, ADCNR recommends calling individual state parks and other facilities if you have questions about reservations or operational hours. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
ADCNR apologizes for any inconvenience during this time and we thank you for your cooperation.
