? -ALABAMA OUTDOOR
RECREATION PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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STATE OF ALABAMA
GOVERNOR'S OF CE
MONTGOM.ERY
GEORGE C WALLACE
GOVERNOR
June 24, 1971
To the Citizens of Alabama:
I am pleased to submit this summary of Alabama's
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. It is the state's
official guide for acquisition and development programs to
preserve Alabama's natural resources and provide outdoor
recreation land, water, and facilities for residents and
visitors.
Alabama is blessed with natural resources--with its
relatively unspoiled Gulf of Mexico front, with its bays and
wetlands, with its mountains and plains, with its canyons,
caves and caverns, and with its many lakes and reservoirs,
wildlife areas, parklands, forests, ponds, and 
streams. Yet,
most importantly, Alabama is blessed with opportunity--an
opportunity to recognize that quality of life in the state is
dependent largely on these resources, and the opportunity to
act now to ensure their protection, proper development and
enjoyment.
The Alabama Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
reflects the state's goals to maintain and improve the quality
of the environment and to provide present and future generations
with opportunities for a satisfying outdoor recreation experience.
Please review this summary of the Alabama Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan. We invite your comments and suggestions
as further study, planning, and action is undertaken to achieve
these goals.
Sincerely,
Georg C. Wallace
Governor
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This is a summaiv of the Al abana Outdoor Recreation Plan,
1970. It is intended to serve as a quick and easy reference for
public officials and the general public who are interested in
Alabama's current recreational facilities, needs, and plans for
the future.
Information in this summary came from findings of a study
made by Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station
under contract with the Alabama Department of Conserva-
tion, beginning August 16, 1967. Complete details of the find-
ings aie reported in 10 volumes. The initial report, "State Re-
sponsibility,'" was published in December 1967. This was
followed bV publication in 1970 of "A Plan of Action" and
eight volumes of related data. Some data developed since
completion of the 1970 plan are used to update this summary.
Information on the complete plan can be obtained from:
Division of Outdoor Recreation
Alabama Department of Conservation
64 North Union Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Preparation and printing of this report were financed in part
through a planning grant from the Bureau of Outdoor Recre-
ation, Department of the Interior, under provision of the Land
and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (Public Law 
88-
578).
Contents
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RECREATION IS an important part of everyone's life in
today's leisure-oriented society. And recreation to most
Alabamians means getting outside for boating, picnicking,
golfing, fishing, swimming, hunting, camping, driving, or one
of the many other popular pastimes.
The myriad outdoor recreation activities have one thing in
common, the necessity for outdoor space. This requirement of
space with varying degrees of facility development for specific
activities is a problem, and one that is intensified by the al-
most certain continued growth in recreation demand in
Alabama, both by residents and visitors.
But outcloor recreation is more than just pleasure activitx
for participants. As a major income-producing industry, recre-
ation and tourism involve trael, service, construction, and
other industries. Thus, plans for developing the best possible
recreation facilities to take advantage of the state's natural
resources must also take into account the overall economic
growth and development plans of Alabama.
Responsibility of government in providing recreational facil-
ities has received increased acceptance in recent years,
thereby creating public policy problems. Therefore, Alabama
has turned to research as a means of identifying specific
problems and formulating plans that will provide guidance
and make possible the right mix of public and private facili-
ties.
STATEWIDE PLAN DEVELOPED
The Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recre-
ation Plan, 1970, was prepared by the Alabamia Department of
Conservation. This is the officially designated state agency
responsible for outdoor recreation planning in Alabama and
for administration of the grant program under the Land and
Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Areas of major inter-
est, which are summarized in this publication, include (1) a
detailed inventory of recreation areas and facilities of the state
by specific agencies; (2) demand for outdoor recreation by ac-
tivities; (3) need for additional outdoor recreation resources
hb activities and planning districts; and (4) a proposed action
PI ''
The 1970 plan was pritecded by prcliniiar plaills
published in 1966 and 1967, which xwere the first 
attempts to
prepare comprehensive plans for Alabama. The 1966, 1967,
and 1970 plans were prepared to partially fulfill requirements
for participation in the Federal Land and \Water Conservation
Fund Act of 1965 (amended in 1967).
The 1970 survey analyzed Alabamia's recreation resources-
water, land and facilities-in much greater detail than had
ever been attempted before. Equally detailed was the inves-
tigation of residents' participation in specific ftrms of outdoor
recreation and the resulting analysis of current and projected
demands.
\\ith the wealth of information obtained, this summlarv
provides a review of (1) where we are in the outdoor recre-
ation field, (2) what we need, and (:3) xhat we should do to
meet the demands of Alabama's citizens and visitors for recre-
ation to 1980. It compares, through the use of conversion stan-
dlards, demand foi specific outdoor activities and the avail-
ability of resources for such recreation.
Through the process described, current needs were deter-
mined and projected for the year 1980. This information xwas
the basis for development of an action program for acquiring
and managing the state's recreation resources to meet future
needs.
Liike most states, Alabama is in the early stages of planning
for outdoor recreation. This plan provides ait centralized source
of information for all persons engaged in such planning. It
presents a base plan by which Alabama can proceed in the ad-
ministration of state and federal funds, particularly those
designated foi outdoor recreation under the Land and W\ater
Conservation Fund Act. Designed to have flexibility, the plan
will be subject to periodic changes as new situations arise and
as needs of citizens and resource availailit change.
BL E SKY .. . ipplng wtrs . ..occan briczes .. .
pleasant climate . ..mountain views .. .singing birds . ..
chirping crickets .. .refieshing silence of a remote spot . . .
clean smells of woods and streams . ..friendly people . ..
the feeling of history coming alive.
Such things as these cannot be inventoried in the usual
manner, but each one represents a resource that is important
to outdoor recreation and that is in abundant supply in
Alabama. These are some of the intangibles that give the state
that little "extra something" to make the difference between
'good" and "excellent" in its recreation resources.
Of course Alabama has an abundance of specific natural
resources for outdoor recreation that can be listed and
counted. Natural variety is probably its greatest asset in this
regard. There are mountains, prairies, rivers, lakes, Gulf of
Mexico beaches, forests, waterfalls, 
canyons, caves, wildlife,
and fish of many kinds. To this is added the man-made
resources-cities, sleepy country towns, parks, motor
speedways, space and rocket 
centers, agriculture, industry,
colleges and universities, preserved historical sites, resorts that
cater to a tourist's every whim, restaurants that specialize in
traditional food of the region-plus the valuable resource of its
hard-working people. This mixture of natural and man-made
resources provides the necessary ingredients to make Alabama
5a hahr in ,ltloor iecreation.
HISTORY
Alabama has a fascinating history, dating back some 
10,000
years when prehistoric Indians first made their home in the
region. Indians continued to be the only inhabitants of what is
now Alabama until exploration by the white man began in
1540 when DeSoto and his Spanish explorers passed through
on the way from Florida to the Mississippi River.
The first white settlement was a temporary one by the
Spanish on Dauphin Island in 15,59. But there were no perma-
nent settlers until 1702 when the French settled Twenty-
Seven Mile Bluff on the Mobile River. When this settlement
was destroyed by flood waters, the French settlers moved to
Mobile in 1711. Other settlements were made during this
same time period as settlers pushed farther inland.
France ceded a portion of Alabama to England in the 1763
Treaty of Paris following the French and Indian War, and 20
years later Britain gave this area to the United States. The
remaining portion of Alabama was annexed at the time of the
%War of 1812.
Indians played a major role in Alabama's development
during these early years. Creeks, Cherokees, Chickasaws, and
Choctaws were major tribes that occupied what was to
become Alabama. The early peace between settlers and Indi-
ans gradually deteriorated into warfare, and resulted in the
Fort \lims massacre by the Creeks in 1813. Andrew Jackson's
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difeiat of the C(reeks at Horseshoe Baend the following 
year
broke the back of the Creek nation and opened up the area 
for
settlement.
The Alabama Territory was created in 1817 with the terri-
torial capitol located north of Mobile at St. Stephens on the
Tornbigbee River. Two years later Alabama became the 22nd
state of the United States with Huntsville as the temporary
capitol site. Cahaba was chosen 
and developed as the capitol,
but the flooding Alabama and Cahaba Rivers destroyed it.
Tuscaloosa then became the temporary capitol in 1826, and it
remained there until being moved to Montgomery in 1846
where it has remained.
On January 11, 1861, Alabama withdrew from the Union
and became the Republic of Alabama. Less than a month later
(February 4, 1861) Alabama joined the Confederacy, with
Montgomery serving as the first capitol of that ill-fated nation.
Six flags have flown over Alabama since the first white man
arrived in 1540-Spanish, French, English, Republic of
Alabama, Confederate States of America, and United States.
All have contributed to Alabama's heritage, and numerous his-
torical sites are maintained that attest to the contributions of
each. Many of these sites are major tourist attractions, and
others could be developed. The state has 30 entries on the Na-
tional Register of Historic Places and the Alabama Historical
Commission recently nominated additional structures and sites
to the Register.
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It is apparent that the state's history has much to ofier in
developing facilities of interest to a wide range of people.
GEOGRAPHY
Located in the "Heart of Dixie," Alabama extends 330 miles
northward from the Gulf of Mexico, covering nearly five
degrees of latitude. Its range of topography is from the ex-
treme of mountains and river valleys in the north, through the
flat prairie lands of the Black Belt and the sandy coastal plains
soils that cover much of the state, to Mobile Bay and the Gulf
beaches. Thus, a vacationer can enjoy the Alabama sun while
swimming in the Gulf, hiking in the mountains at elevations
up to 2,407 feet, or visiting historic scenes of the Old South.
Topography of the state gives rise to 17 river drainage
basins, resulting in about a million acres of inland and
brackish water available for recreational uses. Landscape vari-
ations offer diversification for park location, and the extensive
resource base of the state makes possible all types of parks-
historical, scenic, and recreational. Climate is favorable fot
many types of recreation during much of the year, except for a
few winter sports. Seasonal changes provide a wealth of
beauty.
LAND RESOURCES
Alabama has :33,029,760 surface acres, with 32,432,860
acres of this being land in 1970. Moie than 29 million of these
acres are nowv used for agricultural and forestry purposes, but
the amount devoted to non-agricultural purposes is expected
to increase by 1980 and again by 2000.
There is much land in both agricultural and non-agricul-
tuial classifications that could be put to recreation uses. Such
land could be used for parks and open space for urban areas,
scenic highways, golf courses, and historic sites, to mention a
few.
Soils of Alabama are divided into four major areas on the
basis of parent material from x hich they developed, Figure i.
What grows on the land is important to outdoor recreation,
and Alabama is fortunate in this regard. Forests dominate in
the state and forest land is considered a big asset for outdoor
recreation activities. Although pines are by far the most im-
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si r soil areas of Alabama.
portant timber crop, the state's forests include many oaks,
gums, cypress, maples, flowering dogwoods, persimmon, syca-
more, magnolia, and beech, to mention a few, that add beauty
to the landscape, particularly in spring and fall.
A wealth of wild plants abounds in Alabama (some 4,500
known), many of which are especially beautiful during certain
seasons. For example, rhododendrons, wild honeysuckle, wild
azaleas, dogwoods, and eastern redbud provide a brilliance of
blossoms in spring.
Alabama's wildlife is as varied as the habitat conditions that
support it. In 1951, for example, 352 species of birds had been
seen in Alabama; of these, 154 are known to breed in the state.
Mlost common game birds include geese, duck, teal, mer-
ganser, bobwhite, turkey, rail, gaillinule, and dove. The most
frequently hunted game animals include the white-tailed deer,
squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, and fox. Deer and turkey
are found in all counties of the state.
WATER RESOURCES
Alabama's wealth of %%.tter resources is generally recognized
as one of its most valuable assets, both firom recreation and ii-
dustry standpoints. W'ith annual rainfall of 54 to 58 inches and
17 river drainage systems with numerous impoundments, the
state truly has the resources to be a "water playground." In
addition to popular water sports, such as boating, skiing, and
TRANSPORTATION
Although air transportation may be important for some resi-
dents and out-of-state visitors to reach Alabama recreation fa-
cilities (five airlines now serve major Alabama cities), au-
tomobiles provide the major method of getting people from
home to destination. Thus, existing and planned interstate
highways and other roads must be considered in locating facil-
ities. Distance alone is not a reliable indicator of travel since
time of travel is more important than mileage in many cases.
For example, a Birmingham family living near an interstate
might prefer to travel a much greater distance by interstate
highway than to cross tow'n to a nearby park or other facility.
The interstate highway system is probably the factor that
will have the greatest future impact on locating recreation fa-
cilities for maximum use. Resident families wvill prefer facilities
near interstate highways to cut travel time and provide max-
imum time at the site. Visitors will be attracted to facilities
that are near interstate highways and they will be less likely to
leave the highway for long side trips to attractions.
swimming, the state's large water acreage provides a paradise
for the fisherman. Over 200 species of fieshwater fish 
plus an
unknown number of saltwater fish are found in Alabama's
waters. The avid fisherman has a choice 
ranging from freshwa-
ter species like bass, crappie, catfish, and 
bream to saltwater
varieties of flounder, dolphin, sailfish, and red snapper, and to
speckled trout found in brackish waters.
In addition to water areas, Alabama has numerous acres of
marsh and swamp land. These areas provide a broad zone 
of
transition that meet the 
requirements of many water 
birds,
water creatures, and game animals.
Acreage of water area in the state continues to increase as
more and more impoundments are made. In 1967 there were
596,900 total acres of inland water, of wv.hich 66 per cent was
in large impoundments (40 acres or more) and 17 per cent
each in rivers and creeks and natural lakes and ponds. By
1980 the total is expected to increase to 663,220 acres, with
large impoundments showing the most increase and rivers and
creeks actually decreasing. Location of the major rivers and
impoundments is shown in Figure 2.
The coastline of Alabama that is available for marine life
includes some 607 total miles of tidal shoreline with about
:3.58,400 acres of salt and brackish waters. Major shoreline rec-
reational areas are on about 205 miles, evenly divided be-
tween the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile and Perdido bays. Of
Iiis total, 115 miles are sand beach and 90 miles are marsh
,Id. Much of this ( is i ls udev eloped.
1Existing
SUnder Construction
e 
Proposed
FIG. 2. Major rivers and impoundments.
9
STATE GOALS (5) Primary attention must 
be given to protecting quality of
both water and land resources while striving for a high quality
THE ULTIMATE GOAL of the Outdoor Recreation Plan is
to ensure adequate recreation facilities for the enjoyment and
well being of all Alabama residents and visitors. Such recre-
ation facilities must be accessible to the public and take into
consideration needs of the disadvantaged. To satisfy these cri-
teria, three specific state goals are defined:
(1) To assure the people of Alabama an adequate system of
outdoor recreation resources and facilities that will encourage
maximum use and enjoyment of the state's heritage of natural,
historic, and cultural resources.
(2) To assure the conservation and appropriate develop-
ment of the state's environment, including the preservation of
significant historic sites and natural areas.
(3) To maintain an environment of quality in which to
provide a mixture of outdoor recreation activities for all partic-
Ipants.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The primary objective of the comprehensive plan is to
create action, with the action programs based on recreation
needs, interests, and demands of Alabama residents and visi-
tors. The plan was also designed to serve as the basic frame-
work to guide public and private action in the area of outdoor
recreation.
Specific objectives of the study are:
(1) To point out the major recreational needs of Alabama
residents and visitors.
(2) To suggest ways of meeting the needs by recreatioi
planning districts.
(3) To suggest a plan of action for improvement and mainte-
nance of the environmental quality of outdoor recreation
resources.
(4) To suggest a firamework of state policies and actions foi
continuance planning, staffing, and development.
(5) To prov ide a guide for both public and private manag.-
ment in the development of recreation resources throughout
the state.
(6) To continue the state's eligibility for Federal Land and
W\ater Conservation Funds.
GENERAL POLICY GUIDELINES
S1) All levels of government should contribute, consistent
with their capabilities, in meeting public needs for outdooi
eci reation.
(2) Private business and individuals should be encouraged
to provide certain recreation services and facilities where eco-
nomically feasible.
(3) Following the concept of local planning, the state
should seek local or regional land use controls in conjunction
with its investment in facilities.
(4) Although state residents were given major emphasis in
planning for recreation, the economic importance of tourism to
Alabama was also considered.
recreation program.
COORDINATION NECESSARY
An outdoor recreation plan can be successful only if there 
is
understanding and joint action by those involved in planning
at all levels of administration.
The Alabama Development Office, which serves under 
the
Governor, provides for coordination of this plan with overall
state plans. Proper coordination calls for consideration of 
such
things as statewide economic studies on tourism, water 
and
land resource planning, and 
various plans by regional, county,
and municipal governments. All plans must be considered
together for maximum benefit to the state.
Several agencies and organizations are involved in manag-
ing different programs involving 
state parks, fishing lakes,
wildlife preserves, swater impoundments, public lands, miner-
als, forests, local parks, and recreation. All of these must 
be
considered in implementing the outdoor recreation plan.
PLANNING METHODS
Planning Regions
The state \was divided into four planning regions, Figure 3,
on the basis of natural resources that could be useful to out-
door recreation. Regions 1, 3, and 4 had about equal propor-
recreation activities, resources, and facilities in the state. Like-
wise, special consideration has been given to requirements of
urban areas and to the needs of recreation planning regions
and districts. Recommendations have been made for meeting
these needs. Projections of demands and needs were made
through the year 2000, however only needs to 1980 are shown
in this summary.
The basic data used in the plan were obtained from the fol-
lowing sources:
1. A demand survey, based on a representative population
sample of the four planning regions, to measure recreation
demand.
2. An inventory of Alabama recreation areas (supply as
represented by 3,212 sites) both publicand private. In addi-
tion, data were developed on physical and natural resources
that were related to outdoor recreation.
3. A comparison of demand and supply data based on space
or use conversion standards developed for the state.
4. Additional data, materials, and suggestions obtained
from many governmental agencies, local organizations, 
and in-
dividuals with respect to specific items needed for the plan.
The outdoor recreation plan provides guidelines for the
operation and development of a vastly improved outdoor rec-
reation program for Alabama residents and out-of-state visi-
tors. It will be supplemented over the next five years with a
continuing program of planning, research, leadership, and
agency coordination.
FIG. 3. Planning regions.
tions of the state's 3,212 public and private recreation 
sites
and about the same proportions of total population. Region 2
had more of the sites, and a proportionately larger 
share of
population, as given here:
Per cent of Per 
cent of
all sites population
Region 1.............................23 
23
Region 2.......... 
................ 
30 35
Region 3 ............................ 
23 21
Region 4.............................. 
24 21
Planning Districts
Each of the four planning regions was divided into three or
more recreation planning districts, making a total of 13 dis-
tricts in Alabama, Figure 4. The districts gave major consider-
ation to the location of people and were arranged so that any
resident in a district could travel to any point within that dis-
trict in one hour or less. Thus, day-use recreational facilities
could be provided near all residents by planning on the basis
of the districts. All data on demand, supply, and needs were
developed by both planning regions and planning districts.
P roced ure
The p9lan itself is comprehensive in that all aspects of out-
door recreation have been considered, including all significant 
FIG. 4. Planning districts.
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RECREATION IS population oriented. As population grows
so does the demand for recreation. The resident population of
Alabama serves as the major source of demand for outdoor
recreation in the state. Total population for 1970 was
3,444,165, but 1980 and 2000 projections call for growth at an
increasing rate. Visitors are large users of the state's recreation
resources and their numbers also are projected to increase.
In addition to population, such factors as age, 
income, sex,
race, education, occupation, number of persons working in a
family, length of swork sweek, and place of residence are impor-
tant. These characteristics affect both kinds of recreation
desired by an individual and fiequency of participation in any
given activity. Changes in these factors expected bet ween the
present and 1980 were considered in developing future needs.
In studying demand for recreation, only persons 12 years of
age or older wvere counted in the recreation population. This
should include 72 per cent of the total state population in
1967 and 1980.
Participation of Alabama residents in outdoor recreation
was measured by a survey of a random sample of the popula-
tion, swith each of the four planning regions serving as a uni-
verse. Data were gathered on 37 activities. For out-of-state
visitors, information was developed from both survey and sec-
ondary data.
As a result of the surveys, 21 outdoor recreational activities
swere selected for analysis. Picnicking, fishing, 
sxwimming,
hunting, and sightseeing were considered as separate ac-
tivities. Specifically, an activity occasion was the participation
of one person, 12 years of age or older, in any outdoor recre-
ation activity for at least one-half houri in one day at any place
other than a home yard or in a school class on the playground
during recess time.
In 1967, a total of 1,429,000 Alabamians-56 per cent of the
recreation population-took part in one or more picnicking oc-
casions at some place other than the "backyard." The outing
could have been in Alabama or in some other state. The
number of people who participated in the 21 activities
analyzed varied greatly in 1967. Nevertheless, the 1967 data
provided a base for projecting the participation in these ac-
tivities at specific times in the future. Independent consider-
ation was given each activity.
RESIDENT DEMAND FOR
OUT-OF-STATE RECREATION
Computation of demand for outdoor recreation activities is
not complete without considering recreation by Alabama resi-
dents in other states. The four states adjacent to Alabama have
49 iecreation sites located fairly close to Alabama's bordetrs,
and many others at more distant locations. Likewise, all states
and many foreign countries have recreation sites that may at-
tract some visitors from Alabama.
There are three basic types of out-of-state recreational trips
made by Alabama people: (1) vacation trips that extend over a
long time, (2) weekend trips of one or two nights, and (3) day
outings to recreational sites in adjoining states. In 1967, some
1.5 million Alabamians took a vacation trip out of the state.
Another 608,000 made a weekend trip across the state bound-
aries.
WNPOWA
Millions of Activity Occasions
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
'.:i :1IuE1 : :
iiIiiKK i K
LIIILL 11111 ff1 LI
1I if i 1 I l
F oa t s b
FIG. 5. Projected demand, by activity occasions, Alabama, 1980.
Total resident demand for the 21 activities amounted to
224.5 million activity occasions in 1967. Of this number, 60
million (27 per cent) were supplied out-of-state to Alabama
residents. When needs for additional outdoor recreation facili-
ties in Alabama are considered, this important out-of-state
travel by residents must be taken into consideration.
tivity occasions during 1967, almost 40 per cent of the state's
total for the year. However, 69 per cent of the occasions were
concentrated around six activities-picnicking, driving for
pleasure, swimming, sightseeing, boating, and visiting outdoor
areas, shows, exhibits, and similar activities. Participation by
out-of-state visitors is presently limited by the types of
resources readily available to them.
NON-RESIDENT DEMAND FOR
OUTDOOR RECREATION IN ALABAMA PROJECTED 1980 DEMAND FOR
n"1 Tnn D Dr1DkAT!nKlIl AIADAAAA
SThe entire world population is potentially a source of
demand for Alabama's outdoor recreation facilities. More
realistically, the greatest demand will continue to come from
nearby areas. The state's market area was divided into two
segments -representing two types of non-resident visitors.
The first segment includes the states bordering Alabama.
Residents of these four states visit Alabama more frequently
than those from more distant states but for shorter times per
visit. The most common recreation visitation from these
border states is a one-day outing or a weekend visit. The
state's border market area population is projected to increase
in the future and provide more visitors to Alabama.
The'second segment is the more distant areas, represented
by vacation travelers who either have Alabama as their desti-
nation or are passing through to other states. This market seg-
ment contains some of the nation's major population centers.
Vacation travelers from here are often family groups with their
travel highly concentrated during the summer months. They
have a relatively high income and somewhat unlimited leisure
time since they are largely on vacation. In many instances
they are specifically seeking outdoor recreation.
Out-of-state visitors participated in 108 million outdoor ac-
% J U I LOI..,;%JlK I E. %,1;1./A I I%.,; I 1IN /A L./AI D AIY /A
Projected demand for the 21 selected outdoor recreation ac-
Stivities for residents and visitors for 1980 is summarized in
Figure 5.
Total activity occasions that will need to be supplied by
Alabama resources will increase from 272 million in 1967 to
431 million occasions in 1980, an overall increase of 58 per
cent. Some activities will increase well below the average
while others will increase much more. The projections were
made by using a methodology that considered socio-economic
factors that affected growth of each activity; consequently, no
two activities necessarily increased at the same rate. Water-
oriented activities increased at above average rates.
Demand expressed as activity occasions appears to be a
series of large numbers. Yet, by using conversion standards
these data can be converted to acres of land and numbers of
resources, such as numbers of picnic tables, required to supply
the demand. Demand requirements less the existing supply of
resources equals additional resources needed for the projected
activity occasions to take place. Supply of resources and
resource needs will be the subject of the next two sections of
this report.
14
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FEW STATES in the nation have the range and variety of
natural and recreational resources as does Alabama. Its loca-
tion makes it attractive for travel by residents of the South and
North Central states. Alabama's greatest assets for outdoor rec-
reation include a pleasant climate, Gulf of Mlexico shoreline
and beaches, a large acreage of inland water, and a diversified
landscape ranging fiom scenic mountains to gently rolliui
plains.
Mlost residents and visitors use water as a focal point lir
outdoor recreation. Popularity of xwater sports is increasini
substantially in the state, and camping and picnicking tac
tivities are more desirable near water. Combined, inland arind
brackish water available for recreational use totals about a
million acres.
During 1969 an inventory was made of 3,212 outdoor recre-
ation sites, all of which were open for some form of public ui.
Many piivate sites were not inventoried-such as backy id
swimming pools, farm ponds, and land used for hunting.
While these sites provide considerable recreation, they wlir
not open to the public. The inventoried sites varied greatly ill
size and types of recreational use: large wildlife management
areas with emphasis oin hunting . . . state parks xwith multiple
use resources . . . small neighborhood city parks that provide
children's playground facilities.
Two approaches are used to describe the state's recreation
resources. First, a description is given by major areas of own-
ership and administration, beginning with federal agencies
and ending with private ownerships. The second approach
groups the resources by major types.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
The United States Department 
of the Interior in its report,
'Public Land Statistics, 1967," lists federal agencies adminis-
tering 9.35,400 acres of federally owned land in Alabama.
However, six agencies control some 99 per cent of this land
and administer the bulk of the federal recreational areas
xwithin the state. This report will be confined to these six.
Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA's multipurpose water control program has created
major recreation resources in Alabama. Four TVA reservoirs
(Pickwick, Wilson, Wheeler, and Guntersville) are located en-
tirely, or almost so, in the state, Figure 6. These lakes provide
19:3,600 aires of surftace water and 2,662 miles of shoreline.
They include \xaLter s Irfaccs lianging froni broad, )peil cx-
panses to deep, winding waters with rugged shorelines of
wooded mountain slopes. Collectively, these four TVA reser-
voirs extend the entire width of the state and offer an un-
paralleled variety of scenic beauty. In addition, TVA is build-
ing four dams and reservoirs on Bear Creek in northwest
Alabama that will contain 8,280 acres of surface water. This
overall watershed program is a cooperative effort of local
groups and TVA. One of these lakes has been finished and the
others are scheduled for completion within the next few years.
Added to these valuable water resources are 82,200 acres of
federal land controlled by TV A and open to the public for in-
formal recreation use.
Over the years TVA has made available its land and water
resources in Alabama for development of a wvide variety of rec-
reation areas. Presently located on the four reservoirs are one
U-I. 6. lennessee Valley Authority lakes.
national parkway, one national wildlife refuge, three state
parks and a number of state access areas, eight state wildlife
management and public shooting areas, eight county parks, 13
city parks, and approximately 50 private recreation sites (boat
docks, marinas, rental cabin areas, motels, 
fishing resorts,
camps, and recreational areas). Many private 
homes, cottages,
and trailers are also located on the reservoirs. TVA land not
adjacent to water has been made available for county and city
parks and state wildlife management areas.
Recreation sites on or near TVA reservoirs provide for such
activities as swimming, boating, water 
skiing, fishing,
camping, hiking, nature walking, 
horseback riding, hunting,
golfing, and picnicking. Not only does TVA make recreation
sites available for others to develop, but it recently began a
program of providing basic recreation facilities such as parking
areas, launching ramps, picnic areas, and sanitary facilities
where needed for safe and sanitary access to the lakes. These
developments, along with the Bear Creek Lakes, will add
much .to the recreational potential of the northern one-third of
Alabama.
National Park Service
The NPS maintains three areas in Alabama that contain
some 4,600 acres of land, Figure 7. One of these areas is large-
ly undeveloped, but is scheduled for development, over the
next six years. None of the three areas is completed.
The Natchez Trace Parkway, when completed, will follow
the general location of an old 
Indian traib between Nashville,
Tennessee, and'Natchez, Mississippi, crossing the northwest
corner of Alabaina through Colbert and Lauderdale 
counties.
Plans call for 11 miles of Parkway motor road, 4 miles of park
roads, a campground with 150 oi mo
re 
sites, pici'ic areas with
tables and related facilities, and eight'coinfort stations. 
Also, a
large number of overlooks, fishing areas, trails, and other rec-
reation activities will be developed. In addition, NPS plans to
restore the Buzzard Roost Coyered Bridge in Colbert County
as a part of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Plans'iinclude re-
storing the bridge to its original architectural design, providing
access roa ds, and. 6recting on-site interpretive panels to tell
the story of the covered bridge. Complete development is
expected by 1977 _ith planned expenditures of nearly $11
million.
Russell Cave National Monument, in the rugged north-cen-
tral part of Jackson County, shows the 8,000-year history of
man's life in the cave. Resources consist of a small acreage 
of
land, the cave, a museum, a hiking tiail, a picnic.area, 
parking
area, and employee homes. Work is underway to add more 
in-
door and Outdoor exhibits. This area could be developed to
make it even more attractive. Pins of NPS call for expendi-
tures of $71,000 for .improvements.
FIG. 7. National Park Service sites.
Horsc hoc B1cud \atioal M ltitara i k is located on thet
Tallapoosa River, 12 miles north of Dadeville in Tallapoosa
County. It is the site of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend where
General Andrew Jackson defeated the Creek Indians and
opened Alabama for settlement. The park was established in
1959 and covers 2,040 acres, of xwhich 561' acrei was contri ib-
uted by Alabania Power Cbmpany. \laina ttractions iniclude a
museum, three shelters, nature trails,' and other points of inter-
est regarding the battle area. NPS plans to spend s6me
$237,000 for improvements and new resources 'it this 'piurk
over the next several years.
U. S. Forest Service .
Developing ,the full recreational potential of National
Forests is the responsibility of the Fovest Ser:vice. This is a
major resource in the state, with a purchase area of 1,270,89
acres of land in four national forests; Eigure' 8. Within this
purchase, area there are some 635,000,acres of federally owned'
land available for the agency's program of ecreational,develt
opment. I
The four National Foiests consist of five loc atio is: (1)
William B. Bankbh(ad National Forest, (2) Conecuh National
Forest, (3) Tuskegee National .Forest,, (4)I Oakmulgee
Division, Talladega National Forest, and (5) , Tallad,ega
Division, Talladega National Forest.
SLAUDA ALEMADISON JACKSON The first section of Skyway Motor Drive through the
Talladega National Forest (Talladega Division) is now
completed. The part open to traffic is experiencing high use. A
joint venture between several federal and state agencies, this
75- to 80-mile-long highway will connect numerous recre-
AINational areas and Interstate 20. New and improved hiking
Riliam .trails are planned for two of the National 
Forests.
Noti ol res
BU rs sCorps Of Engineers
all Along with major work involving 
navigation, flood control,
PN e beach erosion, and river basin studies, the Corps of Engineers
devotes considerable attention to recreation facility develop-
ment. This work, authorized under the Flood Control Act of
1962, recognized the potential offered by the agency's water
e CI Nimpoundments for such recreation activities as fishing, swim-
P Cming, boating, water skiing, camping, picnicking, hiking, and
F uons 
-
hunting.
AU6 IG skegee Fores 
Navigational and flood control reservoirs 
being operated by
the Corps, Figure 9, are: Walter F. George and Columbia on
the Chattahoochee River; Demopolis and Coffeeville 
on the
Tombigbee River; and Warrior 
Lake, Holt Lake, and Lake
a Bankhead on the Warrior River. Under construction or
- recently completed are: Jones Bluff, William "Bill" Dannelly,
SRY and Claiborne 
reservoirs on the Alabama 
River.
DALE Being built on the Chattahoochee River (on the Alabama-
Georgia line) is the West Point 
Dam, which included recre-
a Conec Not. rest
I SECAM BIA 
GENEVA
a * Recreation oreas
MARION WINSTON C ACULL A
FIG. 8. National Forests.
There are 19 recreational areas maintained for public 
use in EBLNT
the four National Forests. In addition, all of this 
federal land is
open for public use-for hiking, nature walks, fishing, and 
sim-
ilar activities or just to commune 
with nature. Hunting is 
licevi k 
La e
allowed, in season, on all the land with necessary restrictions 
Lake Ho e
in state wildlife management areas.
In various stages of construction, the 19 developed recre- L Iint
ational areas already provide 
camping spots, picnic tables, 
and
sanitary facilities or will have them in the 
next few years. Ac- 
OMORE LEE
tivities available include sightseeing, 
picnicking, camping, D o 
Lo6ef
swimming, hunting, fishing, boating, 
hiking, and nature ke E 
ALLI fLaAO
walking.ocAW
Five wildlife management areas (operated 
under a coopera- 
.0mBULC
tive arrangement with the Alabama Game and Fish Division) 
0
are located in National Forests in Alabama: 
the Black Warrior 
UT
area in William B. Bankhead National Forest; Oakmulgee area 
ONROE Walt F
in the Oakmulgee Division, Talladega National Forest;
Choccolocco and Hollins areas in the Talladega Division,
Talladega National Forest; and the Blue Spring area in the 
E
Conecuh National Forest. scamea L r
There are 400 miles of rivers and streams in the National 
j 0 rf e
Forests in Alabama, providing fishing, swimming, boating,
and camping opportunities. Part of Alabama Power Com-
pany's Lewis Smith Lake is in the William B. Bankhead 
Na-
tional Forest.
The outdoorsman and student have available a wealth 
of
recreational opportunities in the National Forests. The vast
animal and plant resources offer many interesting birds, wild
animals, and fish to observe, as well as to hunt and fish. 
FIG. 9. Corps of Engineers reservoirs.
18
FIG. 10. Surface water acreage, shareline mileage, public use and baat launching areas, Carps af Engineers, Alabama.
ation as a major factor in its planning. Two additional im-
poundments on the Tombigbee River are included in the
approved Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (Aliceville and
Gainesville sites).
The Army Engineers Civil Works Program is making major
contr ibutions to Alabama's outdoor recreation program.
Presently 11 impoundments exist or are under const ruction.
Three are only partly within Alabama, but the 147,330 
surface
acres of water within the 11 sites are fully accessible 
fiom
Alabama, Figure 10.
When the 11 impoundments are'completed they will have
115 public -use areas in Alabama. Some will be leased for
private development, some will be available to state and local
governmental units, and the remainder will be operated by the
Corps of Engineers. Planned for the public use areas are 239
boat launching ramps to be operated by the Corps. Likewise,
there will be a large number of picnic tables, grills, camping
spaces, swimming beach areas, overlooks, and hiking and na-
ture trails.
19
Fish And Wildlife Service
Both land and water are used in Alabama by the Fish and
Wildlife Service in its work directed at managing and con-
serving the nation's migratory birds, sport fish, and other
animals for recreation and economic values. The major
approach used to accomplish these objectives is through 
the
National Wildlife Refuge System. 
Alabama has three refuges,
Figure 11.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is located on Wheeler
Reservoir, a TVA impoundment on the Tennessee River. With
35,000 total acres, 18,000 of which are land acres, 
it provides
opportunities for fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, pic-
nicking, swimming, skiing, and boating. Fishing 
is allowed at
all times. Hunting is limited to specific times 
within the
hunting season. Day camping by organized youth 
groups is
allowed under special permit. Picnicking 
and swimming are
allowed, but there are limited numbers of picnic tables 
and no
designated swimming areas. There are 
four boat launching
sites within the refuge.
Eufiult National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 
11,160 acres
within and adjacent to the Walter F. George Reservoir 
on the
Chattahoochee River. It occupies land 
in both Alabama and
Georgia, %with some 8,000 acres located 
in Alabama. It
provides recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, 
and
sightseeing. Fishing and wildlife observation 
are allowed all
year but hunting is restiicted to special refulge hunts.
Choctatu National Wildlife Refugc, in Choctaw Count
along the -Tombigbee River, contains 4,300 acres, 2,300 of
which are open watei. Only fishing and sightseeing rie
allowed at present, but hunting will be permitted when addi-
tional lands are acquired to complete the original plan.
The Fish and W\ildlife Service, through the Bureau of
Sports Fisheries and \\ildlife, also operates two fish hatcheries
in Alabama at Marion and Carbon Hill. The Carbon Hill
National Fish Hatchery has an attractive 
10-tank aquarium.
Fish hatcheries and national wildlife refuges 
serve to ac-
complish the Bureau's task of encouraging maximum use
of fish and wildlife resources. Future plans of 
FWS include
further development of the refuges to provide more 
migration
and wintering habitat for geese, ducks, and other 
migratory
FIG. 11. National wildlife 
refuges.
and resident birds. Acquisition of 120 acres 
of land is proposed
at the Marion National Fish Hatchery 
to increase public recre-
ation oppoi tunities.
U. S. Department Of 
Defense
With more than 180,000 acres of land 
occupied by military
bases in Alabama, the Department 
of Defense provides many
recreational opportunities for its active 
and retired personnel.
A high percentage of the military land is left open 
and in a
natural state. Public access to the bases is granted 
where pos-
sible for fishing, hunting, and other forms of recreation. 
Some
military lands are used in cooperative programs 
with the state
for conservation and recreational uses.
Other Federal Agencies
In addition to the six agencies 
that make major contribu-
tions of recreation facilities in 
Alabama, many other federal
agencies also aid in this program. 
These agencies provide
technical assistance services, conduct 
research and educational
programs, loan funds, and make financial 
grants. Some of the
agencies are: The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, 
the Soil
Conservation Service, the Agricultural 
Stabilization and Con-
servation Service, the Cooperative 
Extension Service, the
Farmers Home Administration, the Bureau 
of Public Roads,
the Housing and Urban Development 
Authority, the Eco-
nomic Development Administration, and 
the Appalachian
etioiial Commission. ThIe SCS has been active in the deel-
opment of multipurpose lakes in its xwatershed program, in
providing data on the recreational potential of each Alabama
county, inl the RC 6 D projects, and in other ways. Federal
acts that make specific funds available for recreational use in
Alabama include the Dingell-Johnson Act, the Pittmaii-
Robertson Act, the Land and W\atei (Cosci rvation Fund Act,
and others.
STATE AGENCIES
State agencies operate only 13 per cent of the 3,212 recre-
ational sites inventoried in Alabama, but this is only a part of
the state's contribution. Successful operation of other sites by
individuals, business organizations. cities, counties, or other
public agencies depends heavily on contributions made by
several agencies of the state.
The Governor's office provides the 
leadership, coordination,
and cooperation that is necessary to a successful outdoor recre-
ation program. Other forms of assistance include proper legis-
lation, highw ay and road development, highway safety, water
safety, health services, and other forms of aid and technical as-
sistance. These services, along with site development and
operation, enable the state to have a growing and expanding
outdoor recreation system. Emphasis in this section, 
however,
is on state agencies thait oper ate recreation sites.
State Parks
The Division of State Parks, Monuments, iand HIistorical
Sites of the Department of Conservation manages 1:3 sites that
are classed as major state parks, Figure 12. In addition, 10
closely related areas are managed in connection with these
parks. Seventeen additional areas managed by the Division are
classed as minor state parks, historic sites, monuments, and
miscellaneous areas. Combined, some 40 sites are the responsi-
bility of the Division of State Parks. Brief descriptions are
reported for each major park.
Joe Wheeler State Park. Consisting of two parts, Joe
W\heelhr State Park is hlocated in Lauderdale and Lawrence
"-
:--1~4;4 ---- "1=:"^= '~c
FIG, 12. Major state parks.
counties. Adjacent to Wheeler Dam, the park is approximately
20 miles east of the Quad-Cities and 9 miles north of Town
Creek. Present major attractions include water-oriented recre-
ational activities plus Wheeler Dam and powerhouse. The
park originally had 2,200 acres of land area, but recent
piirchase of 400 additional acres in Lauderdale CountV will
permit expansion and development.
Facilities at Joe Wheeler State Park include cabins, picnic
tables, rental boats, boat access sites, playfields, concessions,
overlooks, and a swimming area. Most of these resources were
developed and used by TVA in the construction of Wheeler
Dam. When construction was completed the state acquired it
for a park, but lack of capital funls has prevented facility de-
velopment. Elk River Lodge, with 70 acres of land, is operated
as a related area to this park.
Joe XWheeler State Park is one of the parks being developed
inder the present park improvement program. The develop-
mcnt process consists of making topographical maps, master
'esouirce use and facility plans, engineering and architectuitral
dlawings for construction purposes, acquisition of needed
land, and project construction. This planning and acquisition,
plhis projects under construction, amounted to S6.3 
million as
of April 30, 1971. Development includes roads, lodge and sup-
poitinii buildings, golf course, and sewage ftcilities.
To complete into a well developed facility 
fnr multiple-use,
additional funds will be needed for camping, picnicking,
sx imming, and recreational facilities, water supplies, fur-
nishings and equipment, and related materials.
.loiitc Sano Stato Park. This park is located partly within
the city of Hluntsville in Madison County. The scenic John
Bankhead Parkway, fiom downtown Huntsville 
to this moun-
tain park, is operated as a related area. The 
park contains
2,140 acres of mountainous and cove land, the highest point
being somewhat over 1,800 feet in elevation. 
However, the
land is divided into four separate 
holdings rather than being
in one contiguous area.
Facilities presently available 
include cabins, picnic areas,
horseback riding trails, stables and horses, a small 
un-
developed camping area, hiking trails, an 
amphitheater,
playfields, and vista points. Cabins and other buildings were
built in the late 1930's during the CCC 
era and need major
repairs or replacement.
Some facilities of this park are of high quality, whereas
others need improvement and expansion. Present 
facilities are
limited and do not provide the wide variety 
of activities
needed. Some $60,000 has been spent developing the 
needed
maps, plans, drawings, and related materials for 
improvement
and development. Contracts could be let once funds 
are avail-
able.
DeSoto State Park. This park, 4,825 acres of 
rugged moun-
tain terrain softened by dense forest growth, 
is located mainly
in DeKalb County atop the Lookout Mountain 
range. It ex-
tends about 28 miles along Little River and abounds 
in scenic
attractions. Elevation tends to keep mean 
summer tempera-
tures low, which is conducive to many 
outdoor activities.
Present park facilities include cabins, 
a small lodge, picnic
areas, a small undeveloped camping area, 
rental boats, a small
swimming area, hiking trails, small playfields and 
play areas,
and vista points. Recent repairs 
have placed most existiin,
buildings in good condition. However, this 
CCC-built park is
one of the older ones in the state and 
is seriously deficient iii
developed resources to meet current recreation 
demand.
Some 81.1 million has been spent or obligated 
for planning,
acquisition, and development of DeSoto 
State Park. Under
construction is a motel, restaurant and 
meeting room facilities,
additional cabins, and other related items. Additional 
funds
are needed to complete a swimming beach, 
camping area,
some utilities, and other specific activity resources. 
Also, funds
are needed to make improvements 
and add facilities at the
DeSoto Falls area and along the Little 
River Canyon area.
These are related areas operated as a part 
of the total ph k
pro -aln.
Lake Guntersville State Park. This park originally consisted
of 4,000 acres in Marshall County and was acquired from
TVA. The original land extended in a rather narrow band
along Short Creek, Guntersville Lake, Town Creek, and
'Minky Creek and provided about 52 miles of shoreline. The
topography of much of this land (easement land) 
severely
limited its adaptation to many types of recreational activities.
Also, private holdings interspersed between park land tracts
presented problems in development and park management.
Recently, 1,670 acres of additional land was acquired to cor-
rect these problems. This increased park size to 5,670 acres.
Present facilities at Lake Guntersville State Park include
picnic areas, a small marina, rental boats, boat 
access areas,
two partially developed camping areas, a 
short hiking trail,
and a limited amount of related resources. 
Swimming and
skiing occur at the park but no developed beaches 
or landing
areas are available. At best, it is only partly 
developed.
To use the outstanding water and increased land resources
of this park, some $6.9 million has been spent or obligated for
planning, land acquisition, and facility development. Develop-
ment includes roads, sanitary sewage, lodge 
with motel rooms,
restaurant and meeting facility, some cottages, 
pool, and golf
course with clubhouse.
Funds are needed 
to complete such items 
as staff housing,
beach developments, larger marina, some utilities, camping
areas, additional cabins, furnishings and 
equipment, and to
develop specific types of activity resources. \Vithout these 
ad-
ditional facilities it will not be a complete multi-purpose use
park.
Lake Lurleen State Park. Developed 
and formerly known as i
Tuscaloosa County Lake, this park has 
a 250-acre lake on a
total area of 1,613 acres. The 1,363 
acres not inundated are
covered mostly by small pine and scattered 
hardwoods. It is
located approximately 12 miles 
west of Tuscaloosa on land
that was acquired by the people of 
Tuscaloosa County and
deeded to the state for development 
of a state park. However,
lack of available funds in the past prevented its complete de-
velopment.
Present facilities include the outstanding lake itself, a dete-
riorated concession 
building, unusable restrooms, 
rental boats,
picnic tables, concrete boat launching 
ramp, and fishing piers.
Its major use is for 
fishing.
Almost $1 million has 
been spent or obligated 
for planning,
acquisition, and development 
at this park. Construction is un- 
.
derway with roadways, utilities, 
and planned buildings.
Complete development of this 
park is planned through several
stages. Present construction lahugely 
completes phase one of the
plan.
Oak Mountain State Park. 
This park, located in Shelby
County approximately 16 miles south of 
Birmingham, is the
largest of all Alabama state parks. It contains 
about 10,000 .
acres of rugged hilly to mountain terrain. Originally the state 
.. ,
owned a 2,000-acre park at this site. An adjoining 
area of
8,000 acres was operated as a recreation demonstration area 
7,
by the federal government. These two areas were combined to 
i
make the piesent state park. Two 85-acre fishing 
lakes are
located in the northeast end of the park and there is an 18-acre 
'
lake near the middle of the park.
Facilities presently available 
include cabins, picnic areas,
swimming areas, rental boats, 
boat access areas, play 
fields,
small undeveloped camp areas, fishing areas, 
hiking trails, and
vista points. However, much of the park is presently 
closed
xxhih 'onstl'ilction is , xr 5. k 1
S. New facilities being constructed itchdc a I ,ti t stem. aii
4 '4. f' 85-acre lake, cottages, campsites, meeting Etcilities, beac h and
-eoating aieas, water and sewage system, restaurant, nature
area, farm animal display, horseback riding fhcilities, golf
course, play areas, and other related resources. Total funds
spent or obligated for planning, acquisition, and development
amount to $7.4 million. Some additional funds are needed to
make the park completely operational.
t Cleburne counties, approximately 25 miles north 
of Talladega
and 29 miles south of Anniston. Focal point of the park is
Cheaha Mountain, which rises 2,407 feet above sea level, the
highest point in Alabama. This rugged and picturesque moun-
tain paik of 2,719 acres, another CCC-era development, has
* provided many interesting features for picnickers, hikers, and
nature lovers over the years. WPmater resources consist of a six-
. .... cre swimming lake in the valley and a small spring-fed reser-
.. ,voir on top of the mountain. Steep mountain roads are charac-
teristic of much of the park roadway.
Facilities within the park include cabins, lodge, picnic area,
swimn beach, bathhouse, undeveloped camping area, rental
boats, horses for riding, fishing area, hiking trails, vista points,
and concessions. Some 
of the buildings, including 
the lodge,
are showing their age. A TV 
tower and a service building 
(not
a part of the park), built near the 
highest point of the moun-
tain, detract from the park's appearance.
New facilities under construction 
include a well, motel,
restaurant, pool, camping 
area, and improved picnic 
areas,
along with improvements to lodge, beach 
house and lake, and
related items. Some $1.6 million has been 
spent or obligated
for planning, acquisition, 
and development. Additional 
funds
are needed to complete utilities 
and provide needed fur-
nishings and equipment.
Wind/ Creek State Park. This park of 1,354 acres was devel-
oped and operated for a number of years as a private 
park. It
is located on Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, only a short
distance fiom U. S. Ifighway 280. This 40,000-acre lake,
devoloped by Alabama Power Company, is the park's major
attraction.
Facilities 
available 
include 
resources 
for camping, 
swim-
mnig, water 
skiing, picnicking, 
nature walking 
fishing,
boating, and related 
activities. Funds 
spent for planning
acquisition, and development 
amount to 81.4 million. 
Repairs.
some redevelopment, 
and some new facilities 
are needed, but
details have 
not been 
developed.
Canmden State Park. This is a new park being developed bV
the state on the William "Bill" Dannelly Lake. It provides
access to the 17,500-acre impoundment recently completed by
the Corps of Engineers. The 200 acres of land in the park xwas
leased by the state from the Corps. This park is located in a
section of the state that has limited developed recreational
resources.
Facilities being developed include camping sites, picnic
areas, boat access areas, marina, playgrounds, bathhouse, 9-
hole golf course, and other supporting facilities. Some
$800,000 has been spent or obligated for planning and devel-
opment for this new park. Additional needs include water
system and furnishings and equipment.
Chewacla State Park. This park 
is located in Lee County,
some 3 miles southeast of Atiuburn 
and less than :3 miles from
an exit point on Interstate flighway 8.35. lost ftcilities 
at the
park ciwere built im the 
mid-1930's underi the CCC 
program.
Some repair work is 
needed and some facilities 
need replacing.
NIuch of the park's 577 acres of land 
is forested and terrain
varies from flat to hilly to rugged. Its location 
on the fall line
separating the Piedmont Region fiom the Coastal Plain has in-
teresting geological implications.
Among the attractions of Chewacla 
is a 25-acre lake im-
pounded above a picturesque waterfall. Activities 
that attract
most visitors include 
picnicking, swimming, 
hiking, sight-
seeing, and playing of outdoor games. 
Water resources include
two streams plus 
the lake. The park contains 
a large variety of
native plants that attract "nature lovers" 
fiom a wide area.
Other facilities include 
cabins, picnic areas and 
shelters,
bathhouse, boat access area, rental 
boats, play areas, conces-
sions, vista points, and trails. 
No camping is allowed.
NMaps and master plans 
for the park, and site 
plans for a
camping area, have been 
developed at a cost of $35,000. 
No
contract has been let for any 
construction work. The park's
resources and location give it a e t 
potenitial to fill a part of
;l !- -. l" i . ' - :
is
"~~59i~T~
~ii~iZiik~
the stte's recreation needs once construction funds are avail-
able for development. The Shell Toomer Parkway is operated
as a related area to this park.
Lakepoint Resort. This is a new park being developed on
\Valter F. George Lake (Lake Eufaula) in Barbour County.
Some 768 acres of land has been, or is being, purchased by the
state. In addition, some land will be leased from the Corps of
Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Final park
acreage will be near 1,000 acres.
The park is located on both sides of U. S. Highway 4:31 at
the area known as Cowikee Creek Park and Landing under its
present operation by the Corps. It joins Eufaula National
Wildlife Refuge on its eastern border.
Development plans provide for a full destination park, with
facilities to include lodge, motel, camping, marina, swimming,
and related resources. A large number of outdoor recreation
activities are planned. The park is both land and water
oriented, having access to the large acreage of surface water in
the adjacent reservoir, the land in the park, and some related
use of the adjacent refuge. Until the adjacent water area has
been dredged, however, water-oriented activities will be
limited.
Funds spent or obligated for planning, acquisition, and de-
velopment amount to almost $1 million. Considerably more is
needed to provide resources included in the master plan.
Wvhen completed, this park will be one of the state's four major
parks intended for deli tinatioii use by visitors.
L.A ,e/
~7. . ;,-
Blue Springs State Park. This park is located ill Bal Ourll
County, almost equal distance between Abbeville and Brun-
didge and just off State tHighway 10 at Blue Springs. Natural
springs are the feature attraction, along with swimming, pic-
nicking, and camping. Fishing is limited to children because of
the small size of the lake. The park is composed of 103 acres of
relatively level land. Mixed hardwood timber provides needed
shade for picnicking and in other areas.
Present facilities available include picnic areas, picnic
sheds, swimming pool, wading pool, a small undeveloped
camping area, the small fishing lake, tennis courts, and a
bathhouse. This relatively new park began operation in May
1966.
Plans are being developed for future expansion to include a
developed campground xwith bathhouse, two additional picnic
shelters, additional tables, and a comfort station.
Gulf State Park. The state owns one major and five related
sites in the Gulf Shores area. Gulf State Park, a major park, is
located at the southern tip of Balfdwin County adjacent to the
town of Gulf Shores. Operated as related areas are Romar
Beach, Alabama Point, a narrow strip of land extending from
Alabama Point eastward to the Florida Line, the land area
outside Fort Morgan, and the Dixie Graves Parkway.
Gulf State Park is a unique recreational facility with both
salt water and fresh water provided by 2.5 miles of Gulf
Beach and three large fiesh water lakes. The beach, wvith its
pure white sand and blue water, is considered one of the best
1 be found anywhere.
The park and related sites contain a surface area of 5,687
"cres-4,187 acres of land and 1,500 acres of water and
wetland."
Present facilities at Gulf State Park anid related sites include
cabins, picnic areas, swimming areas (both flesh and salt
ater), marina, rental boats, camping areas, boat access areas,
liay fields, fishing piers, and 
concessions. This facility offers
I: re different outdoor recreation activities than any other
:ate park.
Funds spent or obligated for planning, acquisition, and de-
ilopment at Gulf State Park amount to S7.6 million. Now
c:der construction are roads, general site utilities, \ater
ipply, 18-hole golf course, beach development, campground
,ite work, and lodge complex (includes rooms, meeting facili-
ties, and restaurant). Items needed but not under contract
include campground, buildings, golf clubhouse, day-use
areas, maintenance area, and furnishings and equipment.
FIG. 13. Other state park areas.
Other State Park Areas. In addition to the 13 major state
parks and related areas already discussed, the Division of State
Parks, lonuments and Historical Sites operates 17 sites
referred to as minor parks, historical sites, and miscellaneous
areas. Of these, seven are existing state parks, six are existing
historical areas, and two are existing miscellaneous areas; also,
land has been acquired for one additional park and one addi-
tional historic site, Figure 13. All but one of the 17 sites are in
the southern half of the state. However, the major parks are
better located with relation to where the people live.
Locations of the 17 sites are listed below (numbers corre-
spond with those shown on Figure 13):
Minor State Parks
1. Valley Creek State Park
2. Chickasaw State Park
3. Bladon Springs State Park
4. Meaher State Park
5. Little River State Park
6. Florala State Park
7. Lightwood Knot Creek State Park (land acquired, no de-
velopment)
8. Chattahoochee State Park
Historical sites
9. Constitution Hall (land acquired, no development)
10. Confederate Memorial Cemetery
I 1. Fort Toulouse
12. Gaineswood Home
13. Fort Mims
14. Monument of Fort Louis de la Mobile
15. Indian Shell Mounds
Miscellaneous areas
16. Cedar Creek
17. Fowl River
The minor state parks vary in size from a few acres to more
than 1,000 acres. Most are away from major highways, have
little in developed facilities, and serve primarily as local day-
use areas. Nevertheless, such holdings are important to the
state and offer future development possibilities. Their major
present use is for picnicking, playing, nature walks, and some
swimming and camping (undeveloped camp sites).
Although the historical sites are largely undeveloped land
areas, it is important that the state has acquired and held these
areas. Their use is limited, however, until they are developed
into usable areas.
The two miscellaneous areas are small ones that could be
used-as "natural areas," but they are mostly inaccessible at
present and receive little visitor use.
Although most park development now underway is at the
major parks, some attention has been given to the "other" state
park areas. Some $706,100 has been spent or obligated for
land acquisition, development of master plans, engineering,
and architectural work. This is the first time the state has
planned development at any of these areas. A total of
$184,700 has been obligated for current construction at one
minor park. Some $263,500 was made available for develop-
ment of recreation facilities at Mound State monument at
Moundville. This property is administered and operated by
the University of Alabama Museum of Natural History. Con-
siderable new capital funds will be required for needed devel-
opment of the 17 other state park areas.
Division Of Game And Fish
This Division of the Department of Conservation is a ser-
vice agency with several duties. It is charged with enforce-
ment of Alabama's game and fish laws and regulations, man-
agement of fish and wildlife resources, and carrying out
research and development programs. Continuing development
is necessary for these resources to meet growing outdoor recre-
ation demands of an expanding population. In addition to
these responsibilities, the Division carries on an active conser-
vation education program, assists other departmental
divisions in related work, and performs numerous public ser-
vices.
Major recreational contributions of the Division are
provided by its administration of public fishing lakes, public
access areas, and wildlife management areas. These areas
provide boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities for
thousands of outdoorsmen each year.
The system of public fishing lakes in the state places fishing
facilities close enough for use by many residents and out-of-
state visitors. Basic facilities like concession. stands and boats
for rent are at each lake and some have picnic areas and boat
launching ramps. Camping facilities are generally not avail-
able at the public lakes. Reasonable daily charges for fishing,
for boat rental, and for launching personal boats make this
type recreation appealing to people of all economic levels.
Major facilities at the lakes, shown in Figure 14, are listed
below (number refers to number on map):
1. Barbour County Lake: 75-acre impoundment, 7 miles
north of Clayton on County Highway 49; open since 1958;
concession stand with restrooms, 13 picnic tables, 12 boats for
rent, three earthen boat launching areas, and one pier.
2. Chambers County Lake: 184-acre lake on 636-acre tract
on Chambers County Highway 55 between LaFayette and
Cusseta; opened in 1963; concession stand with restrooms, 22
26
picnic tables, 24 boats for rent, concrete launching ramp, and
pier.
3. Clay County Lakes: three lakes totaling 65 acres, 
in area
of 360 acres, 2 miles west of Delta and 30 miles south of An-
niston; first one opened in 1951; concession stand with rest-
rooms, 16 picnic tables, and 13 boats for rent.
4. Coffee County Lake: 80-acre lake on 202-acre tract, 4
miles northwest of Elba; opened in 1951; concession stand,
restrooms, 30 boats for rent, 25 picnic tables, and two earthen
launching ramps.
in 1950; concession stand, restrooms, 23 picnic tables, 21
boats for rent, and earthen launching ramp.
10. Lamar County Lake: 68-acre 
impoundment in 195-acre
area, 5 miles west of Vernon; 
opened in 1953; concession
stand with restrooms, 31 boats for rent, 
and 19 picnic tables.
11. Lee County Lake: 132 
acres of water in 268-acre site; 
8
miles from Auburn and about the same distance from 
Opelika;
concession stand with restrooms, and picnic area.
12. Madison County Lake: 105 
acres in lake on 317-acre
site, 10 miles northeast of Huntsville; 
opened in 1962; conces-
sion stand, 31 boats for rent, and 
concrete launching ramp.
13. Marion County Lake: 45-acre 
lake in 380-acre site; 5
miles south of Hamilton 
on U. S. Highway 43; 
opened in
1951; concession stand, 
restrooms, 12 boats 
for rent, 42 picnic
tables, and two earthen 
launching ramps.
14. Monroe County Lake: 94-acre 
lake in 245-acre site; 1
mile from Beatrice; opened in 1969; 
concession stand, rest-
rooms, rental boats, picnic tables, 
and launching ramp.
15. Pike County Lake: 45 acres of water 
on 407-acre tract,
4 miles south of Troy; opened in 1953; concession 
stand, four
picnic tables, 11 boats for rent; two earthen 
launching areas;
and outdoor toilets on one side of lake.
16. Walker County Lake: 163-acre impoundment 
on 297
acres total area, 2 miles south of Jasper; concession 
stand, rest-
rooms, 49 boats for rent, earthen launching 
ramp, and pier.
17. J. Emmett Wood Lake (Washington County): 
84-acre
lake on 245-acre tract; southwest of Millry; opened in 1967;
FIG. 14. Public fishing lakes.
5. Crenshaw County Lake: 53-acre impoundment on 240
acres, 5 miles south of Luverne on U. S. Highway 29; conces-
sion stand, 25 picnic tables, 18 boats for rent, and launching
site.
6. Dale County Lake: 92-acre lake in total area of 355
acres, 2 miles north of Ozark; opened in 1959; concession
-stand, 20 boats for rent, 20 picnic tables, and a concrete
launching ramp.
7. Dallas County Lake: 100-acre lake in 306-acre 
site, 15
miles south of Selma near Sardis; concession building, 
rest-
rooms, primitive camping area, eight picnic tables, 
nine boats
for rent, and earthen launching ramp.
8. DeKalb County Lake: 120-acre lake in 300-acre site; X2
mile from Sylvania; concession building, restrooms, picnic
tables, rental boats, and launching ramps.
9. Fayette County Lake: 60 acres of water in 255-acre area,
4 miles southwest of Fayette on County Highway 35; opened
FIG. 15. Wildlife management areas.
27
concession building with restrooms, 20 boats for rent, and
earthen launching ramp.
Bass and bream are the major species in the public fishing
lakes. However, crappie are caught in large numbers in the
Coffee, Crenshaw, and Dale County lakes.
Public areas managed for hunting play a major role in
providing hunting for Alabama residents. With most private
lands either closed to hunting or available 
to only a select few,
a large percentage of hunters would be unable to find hunting
sites except for the public hunting areas.
Special hunting programs, like bow and arrow seasons for
antlerless deer, appeal to many hunters, as do special hunts
designed for population control of different species of game.
Some 29 areas are managed for public hunting 
in the state,
with most of them offering both big game (deer, turkey) and
small game (squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove). Waterfowl hunting
is allowed on seven areas. Locations of these areas are shown
in Figure 15, and general information is given in the following
table number referis to number on map:
1. Barbour 1...6... ... ... 16,634 BC-SG
2. Black Warrior .. .... ..... 96,580 BG-SG
3. Blue Springs ............... 25,573 BG-SG
4. Butler ..................... 20,220 
BG-SG
5. Cahaba .................... 22,000 BG-SG
6. Choccolocco ................ 39,424 BG-SG
7. Coosa .................... 39,000 BG- SC
8. Covington .......... ....... 22,344 BG-SC
9. Crow Creek Refuge .......... 2,512 SG
10. Crow Creek .............. 2,161 WF SG
11. Demopolis ................. 7,133 WF-BC -SG
12. Hollins .................... 36,342 BG-SG
13. Kinterbish ................. 13,614 BC-SG
14. Lamarion .................. 25,600 BG-SG
15. Lauderdale ................ 20,370 BC-SG
16. Little River ................ 18,000 BG-SC
17. Mallard-Fox Creek .......... 2,460 WF-SG
18. Mud Creek ................. 8,193 WF-SC
19. North Sauty Refuge ......... 5,200 
SG
20. Oakmulgee ................. 43,500 BG-SG
21. Raccoon ................... 7,080 WF-SCG
22. Rob Boykin ................ 24,015 BC-SG
23. Scotch .................... 20,480 BG-SG
24. Seven-Mile Island ........... 4,685 WF-SG
25. Skyline .................... 23,648 BC 
SG
26. Swan Creek ................ 6,242 WF-SG
27. Thomas ................... 30,320 BC- SC
28. T. R. Miller ................ 37,230 BC-SG
29. Wolf Creek ............... .30,000 BG-SG
1BG = big game; SG = small game; WF = waterfowl.
Data updated to May 1971
SNAN
The 29 wildlife management areas total 650,560 surface
acres, of which the state owns some 25,000. The remainder is
under contractual arrangement with 
the state for develop-
ment and operation. Land owners include Tennessee Valley
Authority, U. S. Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, and both
large and small private land owners. The areas are well
located in relation to where hunters live, considering the
necessity of large blocks of land with adequate habitat for
wildlife.
The Division has developed 112 boat access areas on 
rivers
and impoundments throughout 
most of the state. Access sites,
including ramp and parking area, usually vary from one to five
acres in size. Again, many agencies and individuals have
cooperated in making land available for these sites.
Seafoods Division
Red snapper, flounder, seatrout, crab, and other salt water
species are important to both sport and commercial fishing.
The Seafoods Division of the Alabama Department of Conser-
vation has the responsibility of protecting this important state
resource for both purposes. This function is carried out
through research and regulatory programs. Personnel keep a
close watch on water quality in the fishing areas to help
prevent development of pollution problems that would
seriously reduce or destroy commercial and sport fishing.
Salt water fishing is a major attraction for people from
inland states and areas, and this Alabama outdoor recreation
resource could increase in importance. Contributions of
agencies like the Seafoods Division are essential for best
utilization of this natural resource.
Water Safety Division
Protecting people against the consequences of their own
carelessness has always been a function of law enforcement,
and this is a major job of the Water Safety Division of the
Alabama Department of Conservation. The rapid growth of
boating in recent years has increased the need for both educa-
tional and enforcement programs to prevent personal injury
and property damage. At least one water patrolman is as-
signed to each major body of water in Alabama.
Accident prevention by educating the public is a major in-
terest of the Division. This is done through television and
radio shows, printed literature, water safety exhibits at fairs
and special events, and programs before schools, civic clubs,
and other groups.
qk I I It
low-
- . -. ~ -- C . ... **, -
- -~;iC~~t_==
. - -
Buoys and signs to aid in navigation are placed adii imin-
tained by the Division. Additional markers will be placed in
coming years, including a new inexpensive type that will be
used to mark hazards like stumps and deadheads. Also, the
Division is seeking to build office-information centers at
selected locations to assist water-recreation users.
Other State Agencies
Several other state agencies participate in outdoor recre-
ation, either by providing or operating facilities or by en-
forcing regulations that encourage best use of resources and
facilities.
The Forestry Commission provides, by contractual ar-
rangements to the State Parks Division, one state forest area
for use as a park (it has 
a lake, picnic area, swimming 
area,
trails, and other minor recreation facilities). Another state
forest tract is used in a wildlife management area program by
the Game and Fish Division.
Alabama High/rway D'partni'rit builds and maintains access
lip
0
-I
.4--
.4 .4 . .4
iroads to parks and within stat parks, arind 
is responsible for
highway beautification ad developmient 
of parkway systems
for the state. Planning for interstate 
highway development
gives consideration to present and future park 
development
needs for entrance-exit points. 
It also provides roadside picnic
tables and, working with a federal 
program, is providing addio
tional rest areas on interstate and 
other highways. A total of 61
interstate safety rest areas with 
developed picnic areas will 
be
completed along Alabama's Interstate 
system by 1974 or 1975.
State Department of Education owns 
a number of "16th sec-
tions" of land that are being used for 
recreation purposes. Fa-
cilities at several educational institutions 
are available for
public use when not otherwise in use.
State Health Department owns several parcels of land that
are used by other agencies as recreation sites, and 
hospital
grounds have recreation facilities for patients.
Bureau of Publicity and Information provides educational
and promotional materials to assist residents and out-of-state
visitors in widening recreational experiences in the state. Also,
it is cooperating with the Highway Department in developing
information centers in selected interstate safety rest areas. One
such facility has been completed near Mobile and the Mlissis-
sippi border.
Alabama Historical Commission both 
operates and encour-
ages local public and private groups to preserve 
and open to
the public numerous significant landmarks. Alabama historical
sites listed in the National Register, by counties, 
include: Fort
\Morgan-Baldwin; the Tavern and Fendall 
Hall--Barbour;
Horton Mill Covered Bridge-Blount; Dr. Francis 
Museum-
Calhoun; Natchez Trace Parkway and Wilson Dam-Colbert
and Lauderdale, Helen Keller Birthplace (Ivy Green)-Col-
bert; Fort Payne Opera House-DeKalb; Fort Toulouse-El-
more; Greene Count Courthouse arid the Coleman-Banks
Home-Greene; Moundville Indian Site-Hale; Russell Cave
National Monument-Jackson; Arlington-Jefferson; Oscar
Kennedy House-Lauderdale; Tuskegee Institute-Macon;
Bluff Hall and White Bluffs-Marengo; Barton Academy, 
City
Hall, City Hospital, Fort Conde-Charlotte, Bishop 
Portier
IHome, aind Admiral Raphael Semmes House-Mobile; 
First
Confederate Capitol-Montgomery; Apalachicola 
Fort-Rus-
sell; J. L. M. Curry Home-Talladega; Horseshoe Bend 
Na-
-~ 
9
w~
II I '::~A
'1
~p. ~4
~ 4, y /
2~
I
~ ~J*
4~
I
,/ -A~ Z\ 4
he
~
30
CITIES AND TOWNS
Incorporated towns and cities were operating 1,292 (40 per
cti, of the 3,212 sites inventoried. Most cities with popula-
tion of 5,000 or more provided outdoor recreation sites, but
,inaller ones generally left recreation to civic groups and
p~r nts.
(ity sites varied from a few large park complexes to many
I1ill playground areas. Land owned by Alabama cities to-
taied 23,864 acres. Recently three cities developed large
multi-use parks that will be used largely as commercial ven-
tures. A few cities operate public golf courses and other types
of large land area parks.
tional Military Park-Tallapoosa; and St. Stephens Site-
Washington.
Several other state agencies interested in outdoor recre-
ation, some of which own sites, include the USS Alabama Bat-
tleship Commission, Fort Morgan Commission, Mound State
Monument, Cahaba Commission, La Grange Historical Com-
mission, Historic Chattahoochee Commission, Gorgas Memori-
al Board, Richmond Pearson Hobson Memorial Board, and
the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission.
COUNTY GOVERNMENTS
County governing bodies have developed only a few county
parks. In fact, of the 3,212 sites inventoried in the state, only
29 (one per cent) were operated by county governments. Sev-
eral counties operate more than one facility, so the 29 sites
represent fewer than 29 counties. Twenty-one of the 29 were
in the southern half of the state. Several counties owned land
that was being operated for recreation purposes by quasi-
public groups under the county governing bodies. Counties
owned 43 sites containing 1,380 acres. The 29 being operated
totaled 1,273 acres.
While most county governing bodies have not accepted the
operation of parks as their responsibility, most assist in devel-
oping access areas and roads to sites operated by other
agencies or groups. A few counties recently began operation
of multi-use parks, including camping, but most are day-use
areas.
....-, 'k4 Y. ' ' .n Y -" i
(r .4-
QUASI-PUBLIC
A total of 139 sites (four per cent of those in the state) were
operated by quasi-public or related types of organizations.
Most of these were youth camps, scout camps, or similar
operations. Total acreage owned is 174,966.
PRIVATE SITES
The 1,237 sites operated as private ventures made up 39
per cent of the total number inventoried. This private sector
included utility companies, business organizations, and indi-
vidual family operations (like fishing lakes open to the public).
These private operations were larger than average in the state,
accounting for 1,100,506 acres of land. This was 60 per cent of
all outdoor recreation land inventoried.
Private sites were reasonably well distributed throughout
the state. Type of operation varied from small high density use
parks to caverns, lodges and resorts, farm fish ponds, and to
large woodland areas open only for hunting.
C .-
i s
5, ~ ~
sl~, ~ ~ .
Alabama Puss er C raj)Lins an ins (statoss ned utility
seiving customers in 36 counties, operates 11 hydroelectric
projects that create reservoirs on the WVairior, Coosa, and
Tallapoosa risvers, which provide vv'ater-orientedl recreation to
mnanv residents and visitois, Figuie 2. Alabama Powxer Corn
panxy operates a~ 60 acme park near the H. Neely Henry Dam
onl the Coosa River and plans to develop others in the future.
Related land areas owned by this company also are used in
many recieation activities, and as sites foi homes, cabins, trail-
ers, camp grounds, fishing lodges, maminas, and wildlife man-
agement areas. \lany privately ow~ned recreation sites are also
located oii these impoundments. Twso large private home-
recem ation dev elopments are underwayv-ne on Logan Mlaitin
Lake and one on M ar tin Laike. Alabama Pus ei C'ompany "fun
Iitkes ie as folluss
the Alabama summary of' outdoor recea ~tion sites. Total land
and wsater amrea classified as recircation land in the 1969 sums ey
was 2,296,983 acres, almost seven pei cent of the state's entiie
suirface airea.
Acreage given does not include area 
of impoundments onl
which recireation sites wvere located. For example, a fish camp
on Alabama Powser Compans's Lake Weiss did not include the
lake's 30,200 acres, but only land owned by the camp. Hoss,,es
ei , vv ater acreage of small lakes located swithin a pairk site wvas
included.
Land owvnership \%, is is follos:
I c I"w1th ik
iss Li k
If. Neel% Herts Lake . . . . ..
Logan Ma~rtin Lake .......
Las Lake . . . . . . . . . . .
Mitchell Lake . . . . . . . . .
Jordan Lake/Walter Bouldin Lake
MIartin Lake . . . . . . .
Yattes Lake .. . .
11-rh , I .1k'
- 'f 0
(1~ ~ 17I)[I
11,20)0 3139
.15,_263 275
.12000 289
5,850 147
6,800 118
.40,000 700
2,000 10
)7 t
t CU-lI'l l .... . . .I tOolJJ )j.0
'state ... . 1 4 64 .
( o a lnt% .1. ......... 38a0 .
City. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . ... . 23,864 1.0
Quasi-public arid combination . [. 74,966 -.
Private .. 1.. . . . . . . . . , 100,506 47.9
ilill ni, a no~t ii l.l liuia
Alabama's private ice liumttol m suumcr', li0 too) mlUnis mlls to
list, but thes provide i %aiiet% of' actis mties fam si ,ThIseem
pleasuire drivers, boat and svater enthusiasts, hikers, campeirs,
fisheirmen, anid hunteirs. These iresources s arv firom mountamii
to Gulf, firom rsvei to ireservsuit, and firom smnall to large.
SUMMARY OF RESOURCES
1 lie termin it ere itio land" in this repomrt refer s spec ificilly
to iand thait is ( 1 asvailaible tam public use, and (2) included ill
Ownership and operation 
of recreation land show wide 
vari-
ation because of leasing arrangements 
among different govern-
mental agencies and individuals. For example, 
the state owns
only a small acreage of recreation land but operates nearly
one-third of the total. Private groups operate 35 
per cent of
the land, considerably less than amount owned. Although fed-
eral ownership is about 40 per cent of the total, these agencies
operate only 30 per cent of total land.
Seven classes were used to list recreation land according to
use, as given below:
I. High density-adapted to
intensive use and devel-
opment; near major
centers of population ...
II. General outdoor-attrac
tive natural or manmade
setting; near centers of
urban population......
III. Natural environment-
varied and interesting
natural settings for use
"as is"; remote from
population centers .
IV. Natural features-scenic
wonders that merit pres-
ervation; minimum de-
velopment desired .....
V. Primitive area-natural
and wild areas away from
civilization; no commer-
cial development war-
ranted ...............
VI. Historical and cultural-
associated with history,
tradition, or heritage;
merits preservation .
VII. Water oriented-princi-
pal activities depend on
large quantities or areas
of water ............
20,975
32,914
2,092,030
3,750
32,763
3,241
111,312
0.9
1.4
91.1
0.2
1.4
0.1
4.9
Some acreage of each land class was found in every region
and district, but natural environment land accounted for most.
The low percentage of high density land is considered a
serious deficiency and more is especially needed in urban
areas.
Although 77 per cent of the recreation areas remained open
all year, there was a definite seasonality in use. July was the
month of greatest use, accounting for 16 per cent of all visita-
tion. March through November accounted for 92 per cent of
total use, leaving December, January, and February as low
months. However, there were 4 million visits made during
these three cold months.
Importance of water resources to Alabama's recreation pro-
gram was emphasized by survey information showing fishing,
swimming, and other water-based activities as most popular.
Availability of each activity, along with popularity ratings, is
reported below: (For example, 1,008 sites had fishing waters
and 921 of these rated fishing as one of the three most popular
activities at the site.)
? ? ,, : .4 . .. .. . .. . .. . .. -. . . .. ,
Fishing (fresh water) .......... 1,008
Fishing (salt water) ............ 96
Swimming .................. 654
Water skiing.................260
Canoeing .................. . 152
Sailing .................... . 122
Boating .................... .484
Waterfowl hunting ............. 75
Biking ..................... 48
Horseback riding .......... ... 120
H iking ...................... 198
Walking for pleasure ........... 377
Nature study and bird watching . . 237
Playing golf ................ 178
Playing tennis.................252
Playing softball ............... 458
Playing baseball. .............. 446
Playing football ............... 298
Track and field events .......... 121
Volleyball .................... 246
Badminton ................... 165
Croquet ........... ......... 78
Shuffleboard .................. 70
Camping (trailers, trucks) ....... 218
Camping (tent) ................ 262
Camping (group or organized) ... 122
Sightseeing (walking) .......... 251
Driving for pleasure ............ 105
Outdoor plays, concerts,
exhibits .................... 227
Trapshooting, target practice .... 37
Archery..................... 78
Hunting small game ........... 218
Hunting big game ............ 162
Model plane and kite flying ..... 57
Picnicking ................... 980
921
93
474
129
14
9
343
21
4
74
45
95
39
171
122
303
367
156
14
54
8
1
8
46
38
35
85
29
95
9
12
177
146
3
641
The majority of visitors to recreation sites were from nearby
areas and came for the day. However, 18 per cent stayed over-
night. More than a third of the areas reported that most visi-
tors came from less than 5 miles away. Less than 12 per cent
traveled 50 miles or more, and about six per cent more than
100 miles. Travel distance covered all sites, including neigh-
borhood parks in urban areas.
State totals of facilities for specific types of recreation are
listed below:
The above list includes only major types of facilities avail-
able in the state. Fresh water for fishing was available at 1,008
of the 3,212 sites, with many also offering related facilities,
such as piers, rental boats, concessions, camping, cabins, and
related resoures. Additional data on types of resources avail-
able, by location, were included in the various volumes of the
comprehensive plan.
St.......s o
33
ACQUISITION AND 
DEVELOPMENT
Alabama's recreational enterprises are constantly changing.
Therefore, any set of situation data must be periodically up-
dated. This is done annually by determining the year's land
acquisitions and facility development. Reported here are actu-
al acquisition and development during 1970, followed by
plans for the next five years, 1971-75.
1970 Data
During fiscal 1970, 54 sites for outdoor recreation develop-
ment were acquired by government units. Cost was almost $2
million for the 58,286 acres acquired. Only a small part of the
total acreage was purchased, however, since gifts and leases
accounted for much of the acreage acquired. Sites varied fiom
small areas for neighborhood parks to large acreages for state
parks and hunting areas.
Government funds spent for development during 1970
amounted to $4.5 million, with 64 recreation sites sharing im-
provements. Region I was the greatest beneficiary, both in
number of sites and dollars spent.
City and town governments provided the greatest amount
of capital development funds during the year, $3,342,848.
Next was the federal government ($1,144,561), state agencies
($25,314), and county governments ($20,750). The $4.5
million reported spent for development was by governmental
agencies only. Large sums spent by the private sector are not
included in this total.
1971-75 Plans
Plans for the next five years call for land acquisition to con-
tinue at about the 1970 rate, but development expenditures
will accelerate. Some 222 sites for outdoor recreation facilities
will be acquired, with anticipated development spending
amounting to about S107 million.
The 222-site land addition will total 59,582 acres, with fed-
eral, state, and local governmental agencies spending about
$7.2 million in purchasing. A major portion of the addition is
40,000 acres planned for two wildlife management areas by
the Game and Fish Division (land to be leased). Some land
acquisition will occur in all recreation planning regions and
districts.
Development plans show that recreation facilities will be
developed on 370 sites during the five years-the 222 new
ones and 148 already existing. Facilities to be developed
include lodges, cabins, restaurants, camping areas, golf
courses, marinas, playground equipment, utilities, roads,
swimming pools, swimming beaches, playgrounds, picnic
areas, trails, boat ramps, nature areas, wildlife management
areas, and others.
Locations of planned developments show that most addi-
tions %will be in areas having greatest population. For example,
more than 60 per cent of the people live in Regions 1 and 2,
and about 69 per cent of funds will be spent in these regions.
Federal and state agencies anticipate spending about $44
million each during 1971-75 on development of recreational
facilities. Cities will spend $15 million and county govern-
ments nearly $4 million.
Whether these projected amounts are actually spent
depends, of course, on availability of funds. But the $107
million is considered a minimum figure since some local gov-
ernments did not report any planned expenditure, or only that
for a year or two. Some projects may be discarded, but others
will be added to take their places.
Planned expenditures for recreation additions during 1971-
75 will have major impacts on Alabama and its economy. In
addition to improving the state's recreation program for resi-
dents and visitors, the developments will provide a boost to
the general economy. Providing materials for the develop-
ments and for on-the-site construction work will provide many
jobs. Additional people will be employed to operate the new
facilities and to provide supporting goods and services.
more trails
more facilities
more roods
more courses
more hunting
more sites
more development
more tables
more land
more seats
35'.,
more orea
< D 
I
HoW MUCH MORE LAND is needed? What kind of land
is needed? Where is it needed? What kind of outdoor recre-
ation facilities are needed? How many are needed? Where are
they needed?
Answers to such questions, given in this section, provide
governmental agencies and private developers with projec-
tions on land and facilities needed in the future. Demand and
supply are put into comparable units of measure by con-
verting to terms of specific resources and facilities. This per-
mits the determination of additional supplies of specific facili-
ties needed to bring supply up to present and projected de-
mand. Major emphasis is on needs by kind and by location.
Needs are determined by subtracting current supplies from
total requirements (demand).
Incomplete supply data for some facilities prevented deter-
mination of needs. For facilities, only requirements are given.
REQUIREMENTS FOR 1980
This report gives only requirements for 1980. Thus, focus is
on needs for the immediate 10-year future period, which
demand immediate attention. In determining needs, consider-
ation was given to multiple use of resources and multiple ac-
tivities participated in by the same person on a single outing at
a given location. Likewise, need data were adjusted to update
the study from 1969 to April 30, 1971. Facilities developed, or
under construction, since the original inventory have been
added to increase the current supply and thus reduce some
needs.
The total statewide need for urban land by 1980 amounts to
22,920 acres, with 5,814 acres of this specifically needed for
playgrounds. Some urban areas have playground needs that
exceed total land needs because they own land that should be
developed into playgrounds, Figure 17.
Countywide and statewide recreation land needs are set to
provide adequate land in rural areas for all recreational needs
except hunting. This would include 
land for day-use activities,
camping, nature areas, scenic areas, hiking, and other uses. By
1980, an additional 272,730 acres of land is needed for coun-
tywide and statewide uses, Figure 18. In some cases publicly-
owned land needs to be made accessible and provided with fa-
cilities. In other cases land should be acquired. Supplying
both land and facilities is a responsibility of both private en-
terprise and governmental 
units.
Recreation Facility Needs
Recreation facility needs are reported in terms of the 20 ac-
tivities previously discussed. Some of these needs can be
supplied in urban areas while others can largely be supplied
only in rural areas. All needs are expressed in terms of addi-
tional needs to supply the 1980 demand.
FIG. 16. Urban land needs, by districts, Alabama, 1980.
Recreation Land Needs
Land needed for recreation facilities 
is based on population,
and broken down into urban, countywide, and statewide
areas. Requirement standards used in the comprehensive plan
for Alabama in 1980 were 12 acres per 1,000 people in urban
areas, 15 acres per 1,000 people for countywide areas, and 80
acres per 1,000 people for statewide areas.
The urban land requirement of 12 acres per 1,000 people
was based on providing adequate land for such facilities as
neighborhood parks and playgrounds, citywide use parks, and
special use parks such as golf courses, botanical gardens, and
zoos. All urban land would be within the incorporated limits
of the cities and, hopefully, well located with respect to where
people live.
Urban areas of all recreation planning districts are projected
to need additional land by 1980. Many urban areas already
need additional land. Amount of recreation land needed varies
from a low of 157 acres in the Quad-Cities District to a high of
9,337 acres in the Birmingham District, Figure 16. FIG. 17. Urban 
playgrond needs, by districts, Alabama, 1980.
HG. 18. Countywide and statewide land needs, by districts, Alabama, 1980.
Swimming needs are sizeable in terms of both swimming
pool area and shoreline space, Figure 19. Water was adequate
for beach swimming, provided quality is maintained, but
beach and shoreline areas were not adequate for the water
supply. Improvement can be made by enlarging beach and
shoreline areas, but more beach access areas with full facilities
are needed.
A beach area should accommodate at least 500 to 750
swimmers at one time, and have adequate space for sun
bathing and parking. Both public and private developments
can aid in meeting pool and beach swimming needs. Most of
the pool needs will be in urban areas.
Boating, water skiing, and fishing needs are often for the
same resources with some variation in time of year when
needed. Access areas, parking spaces, and boat launching
ramps are common needs for all three activities. Marinas, boat
slips, and mooring spaces to a degree also serve these same
three groups. Access areas need to be large enough to handle
40 to 50 boats per day with parking for cars and trailers.
Need for boat access areas is apparent in all districts, as
shown below:
District Access areas
needed, 1980
Q uad-C ities ................................... 
27
Decatur...................................38
Huntsville ....... .......................... 49
G adsden ...................................... 40
Tuscaloosa ................................. 74
Birm ingham ................................... 100
A nniston ..................................... 30
Selm a .................................... 30
M obile .................................... 40
B rew ton ...................................... 34
M ontgom ery ............................... 
38
Auburn-Opelika ............................. 
45
Dothan ...................................
50
STATE TOTAL .......... ......................... 595
Trail mileage needs include trails for nature walking,
walking for pleasure, hiking, bicycle riding, and horseback
riding. Projected needs for 1980 are shown in Figure 20. Some
multiple use may be possible, but most uses require separate
trails. No specific need data are given for supporting land to
go with the trails. This will depend on location of the trail.
Those in parks might require no extra land, whereas consider-
able acreage would be needed for trails built in new locations.
Some of the trail mileage needed can be supplied in urban
areas and some in rural areas. Needs are for both short and
long trails and statewide trails system. The statewide trails
FIG. 19. Swimming resource needs, by districts, Alabama, 1980.
37
Auburn-Opelika\ 210
Dothan i 75
FIG. 20. Trail mileage needed by kinds, by districts, Alabama, 1980.
system should stress redevelopment of historic and scenic trails 
District
that would meet requirements of the national trails act.
Special roads required for pleasure driving and sightseeing Quad-C
(800 miles statewide) are in addition 
to the regular road Decatur
Huntsvi
system. Some of the mileage could serve both purposes, but Gadsde
other would not be suitable for both. These 
should be Tuscalo
specially developed, unique roads that provide access to natu- Birming
ral areas or scenic areas with 
adequate pull-offs. One such 
Annisto
Selma
road is now being developed in the Talladega 
National Forest. Iobile
Rough roads required for recreation vehicles and trail bikes Brewtor
are identified by districts below. Newness of these types of \Montgo:
vehicles makes this projection 
difficult. Special roads with ade- 
Auburn
quate controls are 
needed, however, 
so these vehicles 
may be Dothan
enjoyed without using various types of walking 
trails or "run- STAT
ning xwild" in ulndevelorped ares.
Miles Jrof rough roads
required, 1980
ities ............ .... ..... ......... 
240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .2 4 7
lle ................ ............. 
162
n ....... ................................... 180
osa ...... ................... 
...... 136
ham ................... ......... 
.268
n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . 12 6
m e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. .250
-Opelika ................. ........... 109
E TOTAL .. ................. ... .. ..... .. 112
Golf courses were 
inventoried in the 
state by size-9- and
18-hole courses. 
However, the 1980 
needs given below 
are in
"9-hole course equivalents". 
Projections did not 
consider that
demand was tied 
to a specific size course. 
Ownership of future
golf courses was 
assumed to be largely 
private, but there 
will
be some increase in 
the number of courses 
built by local and
state government.
District
Number of
courses needed
Q uad-Cities ............................... 
13
Decatur .................................. 13
Huntsville .................................... 13
Gadsden ................................... 9
Tuscaloosa ................................... 18
Birm ingham ................................. 47
Anniston ................. ................. 10
Selma ................................... .. 6
M obile ...................................... 26
Brew ton .................. ................. . 9
M ontgom ery ................................ . 13
Auburn-Opelika ............................... 
18
Dothan...................................15
STATE TOTAL ... .... .......... ..............
210
Camping facilities are seriously 
deficient in the state. This is
emphasized by projected 1980 needs 
given in Figure 21. De-
veloped campsites are needed in 
major recreation areas for
weekend and vacation campers and 
near interstate highways
for overnight camping by tourists. 
Most of the "overnight"
areas should be private developments.
The 6,940 needed campsites are 
for developed sites that
provide ele.ctricity, water, toilet and 
bathing facilities, and
other comforts for campers who 
use advanced equipment. No
data were developed on needs 
of campers who prefer to
"rough it" and want little other than a place to pitch a tent.
Group camping is generally for youth groups and is not a
family affair. Beds are generally furnished in such camps, and
the camper brings only personal belongings, and maybe bed
linens. Quasi-public agencies are expected to meet most of the
1980 group camping needs shown in Figure 21.
Outdoor exhibits and sites, such as art shows, floral gardens
and homes, historical areas, and the Battleship Alabama, drew
31 million visits in 1967. This was about equally divided be-
tween in-state and out-of-state visitors. Uniqueness of the ex-
hibit and its location in reference to other recreation sites gov-
ern demand for any such exhibit. Projections of 1980 demand
call for adding 273 places or sites to supplement presently es-
tablished sites open for visitation.
Picnic table needs, as
1
projected to 1980, can be met in sev-
eral ways. Many recreation areas can add tables to existing
picnic grounds. In other cases, new picnic grounds will be
needed for existing recreation areas. Most districts will need
new land for picnic areas, especially for roadside picnic-rest
stop areas for interstate highways. All of these ways should be
employed in providing the projected needs.
Facilities needed for picnicking are highly variable,
depending on type of picnic planned. Where picnicking is a
substitute activity (different from backyard cookout only
because it is away from home), large numbers of tables can be
placed in a small area.
If picnicking is supplementary to some other outdoor recre-
ation, as is the usual case, needs are different. For this use,
tables are needed at boat ramps, parks, and beaches for use by
people who are mainly taking part in activities other than pic-
nicking. Number of tables needed depends on participation in
the major activity.
As a complementary activity, picnicking is closely as-
sociated with other activities like camping.
FIG. 21. Camping and miscellaneous needs, by districts, Alabama, 
1980.
39
The general assumption followed was that a picnic table 
in
a pleasant surrounding, with associated grills and 
garbage fa-
cilities, was preferred in all cases. Under certain conditions,
however, some people will settle for a blanket on the ground.
The survey showed that tables are not being used by all pic-
nickers, especially in areas where there is a charge for use of a
picnic table. There is an apparent reluctance to pay for using a
picnic table.
Viewing sports events is a spectator sport that includes
many people. Popular events, such as baseball games, boat
races, horse shows, tennis, and golf, require both seating and
parking areas for spectators. Football and international 
auto
racing require special needs and are excluded from these 1980
projections.
New parks and playgrounds will generally include spectator
seats, with most of the needs being in urban areas. Rural areas
and park complexes also need some seats, but portable folding
bleachers may satisfy this requirement.
Hunting needs differ by type of game hunted. Deer, turkey,
rabbit, dove, quail, and squirrel are major Alabama game
taken by hunters, with limited waterfowl hunting also avail-
able. Designated hunting season limits this recreationactivity
to mainly -fall and winter, and each type of hunting has its
own peculiar resource requirements.
Total land requirements for 1980 hunting in Alabama are
projected to be 7,800,800- acres for big game and 4,805,850
acres for small game. No requirements are given for waterfowl
hunting since water needs also enter into this projection.
Although there are large acreages of hunting land in
Alabama, most of it is privately owned. This is available only
to owner and friends, or in many cases it is leased for hunting
by members of private clubs. Land that is open to all citizens
includes that in wildlife management areas plus some federal
and. even-some private land. Since the inventory included
areas.open only to select groups of hunters, findings cannot be
used to arrive at true needs.
Projections for 1980 indicate serious shortages of land for
big game hunting in the Huntsville, Gadsden, and Mobile dis-
tricts, and in all districts in Region 4, Figures 3 and 4. State-
wide shortages in small game hunting land are indicated for
1980, the seriousness depending on actions of private land
6wners in permitting public hunting. Great increases in pro-
grams of the Game and Fish Division of the Department 
of
Conservation will be needed to make adequate hunting avail-
able in the future.
Other Recreation Needs
There are many more outdoor recreation activities than
those already discussed, and others will be developed in 
the
future. Many of these are of such a nature that it is virtually
impossible to project future needs, but this miscellaneous
group must be considered when planning.
Gardening is generally thought of as a backyard activity
that has no need for facility provision. For people in apartment
complexes, however, setting aside areas of public parks for in-
dividual growing of flowers and vegetables, as is done in some
European countries, might be a worthwhile project.
Vegetable and flower gardens in parks attract visitors to
some parks in Alabama and adjoining states, and this type
project should be expanded. Consideration should be given to
at least one state-owned botanical garden, either in an existing
park such as Chewacla State Park, or as a new facility.
Bird watching and wildlife photo graphy have Specific
requirements, mainly good habitat land. Large groups can
practice birdwatching together in a relatively small area, but
about nine acres of surrounding habitat landare needed for
each acre where watching can be done. More 
land in the state
should be designated for birdwatching activities, 
with adequate
publicity to let interested persons know about 
the facilities.
Such activities as sky diving, flying for pleasure, and soaring
are gaining in number of participants, and new forms of recre-
ation can be expected. While specific needs of new activities
cannot be determined at this time, the requirement of added
land is a certainty that should not be overlooked until the spe-
cific demand arrives. Obtaining land for these anticipated fu-
ture uses would not be wasted land until developed for new
purposes. It could be used for hunting and other activities that
require relatively little except land area.
MEETING THE NEEDS-
THE STATE PROGRAM
Alabama has many outdoor recreation needs. Meeting these
needs will require a large acquisition 
and development pro-
gram for the remainder of this decade. All 
levels of govern-
ment and private enterprise will be required to 
participate
fully in a statewide program of improving 
existing facilities
and in developing new ones, if the needs are 
to be met. Only
through cooperative action can a high quality 
outdoor recre-
ation system be developed in the state. The remainder 
of this
section is devoted to specific suggestions 
and recommen-
dations of ways various governmental 
units, private enterprise,
and individuals may become a part of 
the action program to
supply needed outdoor recreation resources.
The state program of outdoor recreation encompasses a va-
riety of facilities, ranging from the active state park to the
more passive wildlife management area. Recommendations in
the statewide plan include reorganization 
of some state
agencies along with acquisition and development 
programs.
Also, the recommendations cover a number 
of areas in which
the state should express a long-range conservation interest and
consider changes that would lead to a well developed 
system.
This will need to be done on a departmental 
basis.
Department of Conservation
The Department of Conservation should continue to have a
major role in development of outdoor recreation in Alabama.
With more people engaging in recreation and numbers of ac-
tivity occasions increasing, responsibilities of thisDepartment
will grow. Meeting this extra responsibility means that addi-
tional funds will be required. Operational and maintenance
funds (needed by all divisions) are just as important as funds
for capital development in improving the outdoor recreation
program to meet growing needs. Specific recommendations for
some divisions within the Department are listed below.
Division of State Parks, Monuments, and Historical Sites.
Park development underway will provide many new and im-
proved recreation facilities. Two major problems exist. Present
contracts do not include all items needed to make present con-
struction operational. An example of this is in construction of
overnight facilities now underway. Often no utility contract
has been signed to provide the needed services to make these
facilities operational, nor have furnishings and equipment
been contracted for. Second, an adequate amount of sup-
porting facilities has not been contracted for at some parks
where overnight facilities are being constructed. These facili-
ties will not be attractive without adequate activities for
visitors, such as swimming areas, boat facilities, trails, and
play areas. Careful study is needed of each park where con-
struction is occurring to determine additional capital-fund
needs for development of well planned multiple use parks.
40
Adequate funding to complete these needs will be nec ces(sr
over the next two years.
The Division presently operates facilities under its control
through a classification system of major parks, minor parks,
and miscellaneous areas.
It is recommended that the Division reduce its responsi-
bilities to one of State Parks only. This would provide a
division with the responsibility for operating 13 existing parks
and related areas-most of which are presently undergoing
some new capital development. Such organization would en-
able staffing and concentration on the development, 
operation,
and maintenance of these major parks and their related areas.
Capital development should continue until these 13 parks are
adequately Iluprved.
It is iccorinmided th t a tiew\ Division bc created 
within
the Department of Conservation-a Division of Natural Areas
and Recreation Areas. All facilities under the present parks
division would be transferred to the new division, except for
the 13 major parks and their related areas and the existing
monuments and historical sites. Sites operated by this division
would be renamed to more adequately describe their services.
Additional nature areas should be acquired to provide a better
balance over the state. New programs of wild, scenic, and rec-
reational rivers and a statexwide trails system should be devel-
oped under this division. Capital funds would be needed for
both acquisition and development, but long range plans would
give first priority to acquisition. The best legacy this program
can leave the next generation is the opportunity 
to develop
the land this program preserves in open space. At the same
time, the resources under this division can be used to supply
many local recreational needs.
It is recommended that the monuments and historical sites
perated by the present Division of State Parks, Monuments,
rid Historical Sites be transferred to another existing 
state
gencv,. This would change the present situation 
in which two
,rate agencies have equal responsibilities in operating 
and
maintaining monuments and historical sites.
Division of Game and Fish. County fishing 
lakes, wildlife
management areas, and boat access 
areas operated by the
Division of Game and Fish serve 
a real need and more will be
needed in the future. Projected 
needs for 1980 indicate that
major emphasis should be given 
to boat access areas and
wildlife management areas, with 
a highly selective basis used
for county fishing lake development.
It is recommended that the State Wildlife Management
Area program be expanded as rapidly 
as possible to help over-
come the shortage of hunting land facing the general 
public. It
is further suggested that land in state parks be mnade 
available
for restricted hunting.
Division of Outdoor Recreation. This division is responsible
for administration of the Land and \Vater Conservation Fund
grant-in-aid program, for conducting a continuing program of
outdoor recreation research and planning, and for providing
technical assistance to all levels of government interested in
matching grant funds. W\ith its work growing in magnitude
and importance, the Division needs adequate staff and funds.
Other State Agencies
Alabama Highway Department. The 61 interstate safety
rest areas planned for completion by the end of 1974 are ex-
pected to supply, in addition to restroom facilities, much of the
need for picnic tables along interstate highways. Information
centers are planned, in cooperation with the Bureau of Public-
ity and Information, for selected locations. This development
is recommended. It is further recommended that safety rest
area facilities be provided as soon as possible on sections of
the interstate now open. Also, open areas of the interstate
highway should be studied with respect to the need for ad-
ditional interchanges. In some cases new recreation areas,
along with motels and restaurants, would be developed near
new interchanges.
Alabama Historical Commission. It is proposed that the
Commission take over operation of historical sites and
monuments now under the Division of State Parks. The Com-
mission can aid the state's efforts to provide future sites by
identifying existing sites and working with local people to re-
store and open attractions to the public. Cooperation with the
Highway Department should be continued to identify natural
areas or historical sites that should be saved for future devel-
opment. By serving as a coordinator for agencies operating
single sites, the Commission can ensure that Alabama's many
historical sites are available to.visitors. Additional funds are
needed for the Commission to meet its full responsibilities.
Bureau of Publicity and Information. This agency provides
a valuable service in the promotion of travel within the state,
and its program needs to be expanded to include information
centers. Likewise, it is encouraged to work closely with other
state agencies and' area travel agencies receivingstate funds in
the development of recreation and travel programs.
Other State Agencies. Outdoor recreation Work should be
continued or expanded by other state agencies. However, all
development should be in keeping with the state plan and co-
ordinated with other developments in the state.
The Alabama Water Improvement Commission does not
operate outdoor recreation facilities. Yet, its responsibilities
are directly related to recreation resources since water-
oriented sports represent both the largest and fastest growing
activities. This agency is unable to meet its full responsibilities
in the water quality field because of inadequate funding to
employ the needed technical staff. Until adequately staffed
and supported, progress in water quality will be slow at best
and even likely to deteriorate.
Federal Programs
U. S. Forest Service. To overcome confusion because of the
two divisions of Talladega National Forest, it is recommended
that the Oakmulgee Division be renamed Oakmulgee National
Forest but .operated as a part of the present Talladega Na-
tional Forest system. This would make it much easier for
people to know which of the two divisions is involved When
reference is made to the Talladega National Forest (see Figure
8). At the same time it would not result in a loss of funds to
any county.
*The Forest Service is encouraged to increase development
of recreation facilities, including those for fishing, hunting,
and travel trailer camping, as rapidly as 
possible. Special at-
tention should be given also to needs for wilderness areas,
trails, nature and scenic areas, scenic drives, and water access
areas into lakes and streams within the forest areas. Special
support and encouragement are recommended for develop-
ment of the scenic highway and a long hiking trail in the
Talladega Division of the Talladega National Forest.
Corps of Engineers. This agency is encouraged to complete
the planned development of recreation resources under con-
struction on the Alabama River and at the West Point Dam.
These projects should be reviewed in 3 or 4 years after
completion to determine additional needs for-access areas and
boat launching ramps for 1980. Similar review is suggested for
the Corps' resources at the Walter F. George, Columbia,
Demopolis, Coffeeville, and Warrior impoundments. Addi-
tional water access areas, boat ramps, picnic areas,
campgrounds, and related facilities are needed now or will be
needed soon in these areas.
In the event that navigation is developed from Montgomery
to Gadsden on the Coosa River, the Corps should consider
developing recreational areas as part of this project. Also, con-
sideration should be given to the development of recreational
areas at the John Hollis Bankhead Lake.
State and local governmental units are encouraged to coop-
erate with the Corps in using their land, through lease ar-
rangements, for local recreational developments.
Tennessee Valley Authority. Recreation use of TVA reser-
voir land through cooperative programs with state and local
governments should be continued. It is further recommended
that TVA continue the program it has begun of providing
basic recreation facilities at selected sites. Recreation needs of
Region 1 could be helped by TVA building and operating ad-
ditional water access sites, boat launching ramps,
campgrounds, trails, nature areas, picnic areas, and related fa-
cilities. Also, TVA should consider working with the Depart-
ment of Conservation to determine the best use of the Elk
River Lodge area and portions of the Lawrence County sec-
tion of the Joe Wheeler State Park.
The Elk River Development Agency and Bear Creek Devel-
opment Authority are urged to use their legal authority to co-
operate with TVA in developing recreation resources within
their operational areas. Impoundments being developed on
Bear Creek offer some real help for meeting 1980 needs.
National Park Service. Improvements 
or additions are sug-
gested for three NPS areas in Alabama-Natchez Trace
Parkway, Russell Cave National Monument, and Horseshoe
Bend National Military Park. Rapid completion of the Natchez
Trace Parkway is encouraged, followed by a review of its use
within four years. Additional recreational facilities on the
Trace will be helpful in meeting needs of 1980 and later.
Russell Cave should have an improved entrance road, with
adequate road markers, which could also serve as a scenic
drive. It is recommended also that additional land be acquired
to provide additional activities at the cave. A longer trail
system and a well developed nature area are possibilities that
should be considered.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is gradually being
developed to highlight its historic past. Two developments
seem possible without detracting from this valuable historic
resource. One is to provide a developed picnic area in a
remote location of the park. The second is to improve and
lengthen the Horseshoe Bend Trail. State cooperation and as-
sistance should be given in developing the trail outside of the
park.
Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional outdoor recreation fa-
cilities are recommended for the three National Wildlife Ref-
uges in Alabama. Long range plans of this agency show that
more recreation facilities are planned. Facilities for wildlife
observation, photography, and interpretation should be given
42
high priority in a development program. All recreational ac-
tivities should be planned to provide minimum conflict with
the wildlife management objectives of the refuges.
Soil Conservation Service. It is recommended that the SCS
in Alabama enter into all phases of outdoor recreation permis-
sible under revised Public Law 566. This would include 
con-
tinuation of the sma
ll 
watershed program, financial coopera-
tion ii) the building of count)ywide and state parks, and recre-
ation development under the HC & D program. SCS coopera-
tion is especially requested for helping meet needs in Planning
Region 4.
Other Federal Agencies. All other federal agencies are en-
couraged to continue their outdoor recreation development ef-
forts and to enlarge their piograms where possible. Increased
funding of the Land and W\ater Conservation Fund is highly
recommended. Additional funds under this program would
greatly assist state and local governments in providing for
present and future needs in Alabama.
Local Programs
County Got cr1u:nuts. Onlx a limited 
number of the 67
county govei rnments in the state 
operate any type of outdoor
recreation facilities. Such 
factors as lack of funds, failure 
to see
needs, and lack of expressed interest 
by rural residents help
explain actions of county governments.
Countywide parks are needed in most 
counties. Some of the
resource needs include "pocket" 
wilderness areas, nature
areas, nature trails, 
water access areas, 
boat launching areas,
day camping areas, and in some cases 
overnight camping
areas. These developments 
will require both land acquisition
and facility development. Since 
countywide parks will serve
all people of the county, thex often should 
be joint ventures of
county, city, and town governmental 
units, as well as local
clubs or groups.
Cities and Towns. Incorporated 
cities and towns are expect-
ed to furnish resources and facilities needed in urban areas.
Such things as playgrounds, 
neighborhood parks, swimming
pools, picnic areas, trails, tennis courts, and open space areas
are appropriate for urban areas. 
In some cases, day-camping
and overnight camping facilities, and golf courses may be
needed. Special studies of Alabama 
urban areas show a large
need for both land acquisition 
and facility development, with
lack of funds seriously limiting 
such development. Priority
given to recreation varies greatly 
among cities and towns,
however, and local development is closely related 
to the
priority given it.
Private Actions
An ever-increasing role by the private sector is needed to
meet projected 1980 outdoor recreation needs. Such facilities
as tourist accommodations, specialized 
hunting and fishing
areas, golf courses, dude ranches, resort facilities, some swim-
ming pools and beach areas, caves 
and caverns, overnight
camping and some destination 
camping areas, boat marinas,
and launching and docking facilities are especially adapted for
private development. Some private developments can occur
around natural areas or special feature areas of the state. In
other cases they may be completely man-made to take advan-
tage of good travel or highway locations.
Private and quasi-public agencies are expected 
to provide
the major needs for group camping 
and youth camps. A larger
number and better distribution of these facilities 
are needed in
the state.
In the case of such special needs 
as resources for pleasure
driving, sightseeing, historical 
site attractions, and 
require-
ments foi handicapped people, 
the state must take major 
re-
sponsibility. However, other levels of government and private
enterprise should be 
encouraged to assist.
--
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-hi.L ~iqg ill-li Y . I- .-;~---~I
i i r
:a
Meeting thei needs dcrilbed ill prcedlii sctiolis of this
report requires a plan and an action program. It also requires
implementation, the follow-through of acquisition and devel-
opment by all levels of government. Most of all, it requires
public understanding and concern. Recreation needs of 1980
and later will not be met simply because this plan was
prepared. There must be a combination of time, money, and
efforts by all levels of government, private enterprise, and in-
dividuals working together to provide Alabama with the finest
outdoor recreation system possible. Only through this kind of
comprehensive effort can Alabama's promising future in recre-
ation and tourism be realized.
SPECIAL PROBLEMS
The state has a number of "special 
problems" that relate to
recreation. In some cases 
they could hamper recreational 
de-
velopment. Most problems 
cannot be solved by the recreation
industry alone. Rather, they require 
joint action on a statewide
basis. Some of the more important problems are 
considered
here.
Natural Beauty
Alabama's abundance of natural beauty has been referred to
earlier, but a problem here is erosion of some of this beauty by
sprawling urbanization, misuse of technology, washing hill-
sides, and other results of man's actions. Recent interest by
many people has made possible some progress toward solu-
tions-solutions that allow co-existence of economic growth
and natural beauty-but much more is needed. State govern-
ment should develop a sound plan with adequate legislation to
ensure not only periodic and vigorous cleanup but also an ef-
fective program for preserving the state's natural beauty. Such
VA
a program imist 1bc supported with continued leadership, pub-
licity, and education to make and keep it effective.
Surface mining has left many scars on Alabama's land
resources. Act No. 399 (1969) provides for reasonable recla-
mation of lands strip mined since the effective date of October
1, 1970. Three possible problem areas remain, even with this
law. First, only limited provision is made for recovery of land
mined prior to October 1, 1970. Second, exclusions to the Act
will permit future damage to the state's 
natural beauty. Third,
the posted bond to ensure reclamation by mining companies
($150 per acre) may be much too low for adequate redevelop-
ment. This likely will result in many bonds being forfeited and
the state left with inadequate funds for reclamation.
Solid waste disposal, largely unregulated in Alabama, is an
obvious problem to anyone traveling in the state. Improper
disposal detracts fiom the natural beauty and may be the only
thing remembered by many out-of-state visitors. While
progress is being made in this area, much remains to be done.
Water Quality
Uncontrolled pollution has resulted in contamination of sur-
face watei to the extent that many rivers, lakes, wetlands, and
estuaries no longer support many forms of animal life. These
conditions led to passage of state and national legislation on
water quality. Among the quality standards established in
Alabama's law was one for water contact recreation (swim-
ming, boating, skiing), one for fish and wildlife, and one for in-
dustrial use-waste transportation. Water for contact sports has
a higher standard than for fish and wildlife. Many qualified
people feel that water standards for fish and wildlife use
should be rated as high as for contact sports, since fishermen
come in contact with water just as do recreation boaters.
Federal laws are needed regarding streams used for waste
disposal, so that all states would be equal in regard to industri-
al waste transportation.
Such factors as restrictions on water use at municipal water
systems, obstructions in some bodies of water, and color of
water in some areas all have a bearing on water use for recre-
ation. Therefore, further study is needed to classify existing
acreage of water according to factors that restrict its recreation
use.
.. x -e .
5 _t': 
5 
- '-
.7 Jr2-
Wetland Acreage
Some of Alabama's wetland that provides habitat for fish
and wildlife, with resulting recreation 
opportunities, is being
lost because of drainage and/or construction of impoundments.
Extent of loss is not known, but many people label this an
acute problem. Special studies are needed on this problem,
followed by a program of public education, legislative restric-
tions, and reevaluation of agricultural and forestry acreage re-
quirements.
Estuarine Areas
Alabama's coastal area makes up only a small percentage of
its total surface area, but its importance to the state's economy
and recreational resources is much greater in proportion. Still,
there is no overall plan to guide and coordinate the use, devel-
opment, and management of this region. As the area grows
and develops there will be many conflicts which will be dif-
ficult to settle because of the lack of a single state agency
having authority and responsibility.
A study is urgently needed to determine public and private
interests of the coastal area and of ways to conserve its de-
structible resources. The entire estuarine zone must be consid-
ered as a ,whole. Needed is a legal "boundary line" for
dredging and filling and the proper authority to control devel-
opment of the area.
The state has a real interest in this for more than one
reason. It owns a large acreage in parks and recreation areas,
the Battleship Parkway, all land between high and low water
mark of the tidal shorelines, and a sizeable acreage of
marshland.
Stream Preservation And Development
Alabama s needs for the future include both protectiol and
development of her water system. A scenic rivers act, while
providing for preservation of a limited number of streams in
the state, will not be enough. All rivers and major creeks must
be considered. Both pollution and mechanization have
changed water quality, and in some cases converted unique
and meandering streams into muddy ditches or deep fluc-
tuating lakes. \While the need for power and navigation is
well established, there is also the desire and need for beauty
and recreation that can be provided by natural, undeveloped
streams.
Alabama must consider establishment of an official state
committee for selected stream preservation. A system of pro-
tected streams needs to be designated, with consideration
given to long-rim impact on the state. All riegions of the state
and all unaltered streams should be studied by the committee.
The need is to act now. The opportunity is gone when streams
are preempted for other purposes. Not only would the
proposed committee (aided by a technical staff) work toward a
stream preservation program, but it would identify streams
that should be developed. Thus, future guidance would be
provided for both stream prceseri vation and d(velopment.
Environmental Quality
Current environment management is largely unplanned, un-
coordinated, and often nonpurpose pursuits of individuals, cor-
porations, and government agencies, all with their special ob-
jectives. No state government entity has the authority or re-
sponsibility to deal comprehensively with environmental ques-
tions. Thus, legislation is necessary to deal with this need. Al-
though immediately desirable, such legislative action proba-
bly cannot be adequately defined without detailed study of
probl(ems. issues, and possible alternatives. 
Recreation interest
would supply many inputs into such a study. Aside fiom areas
already mentioned, recreation interests would include natural
area preservation, historic and other special site preservation,
resource deterioration like landscape blight, beach erosion,
and forest fires, and endangered plant and wildlife species.
Although problems pointed out are numerous 
and serious,
this part of the report mentions them only to help point up the
need for action programs. Some of the needs can be covered
adequately by additional outdoor recreation research, plan-
ning, and development, but in other cases recreation workers
wvill be only members of an overall team that will be required
for solutions.
Quality Aspects
Man l qutalities thalt contribute to the enjoyment and impor-
tance of outdoor recreation resources cannot be measured by
dollars, user capacities, or other tangible units. The demand
for outdoor recreation cannot totall be met by the provision
of large areas of undeveloped land, nor can it be adequately
met by the intensive development of smaller areas. There must
be the quiet place, the sense 
of belonging to a natural order,
and the place for recognition of our natural 
and cultural herit-
age. Hence, a statewide plan must give consideration to the
aesthetic values just as it does to the functional 
values of natu-
ral and scenic resources.
Natural resource areas such as forests and unchanged 
wa-
terways provide a xwelcome relief fiom 
the over-developed
government, but leadership and coordination must come 
fiom
the state.
Coordinating Committee
urbi area. \t th ai, tilt , tie plr ide 1pp0rtiiities iir
hunting, fishing, camping. ind hiking. Coastal marshlailds,
which provide visual beauty and a sense of remoteness to the
landscape, also serve as spawning grounds for fish, habitat for
waterfowl, shelter for wildlife, and the sources of food for shell
fish and other marine life.
Man-made elements and resources related to man's history
also have inherent qualitative value. Elements such as historic
homes, early grist mills, wooden bridges, and ruins of early in-
dustry or cities provide a link with the state's history. These
areas and others possessing prehistoric, scientific, or architec-
tural value are likely to be lost to the pressure of development
unless they are specifically preserved for future generations.
Still other areas provide qualitative values in an even less
measurable sense. The "breathing spaces" may be little more
than a small xwooded area, a linear park, or a stream valley,
where people can escape the momentum of daily life.
For pleasant outdoor recreation experiences, the waters by
which or in which water-related activities occur must be
reasonablyl pure, the air of the area must be fiee of harmful or
distracting pollutants, and the grounds must be free of trash
and other discards of society. In the desire to meet activity
needs, it is critical that the broader scale relationships and
needs not be overlooked.
These qualitative values xwere fully considered in develop-
ment of the statewide comprehensive plan. Developmrent
occurs as actions of government and man, so quality may or
may not go into a pirogram that is short of fiunds. Yet, the
meetings of needs only in a physical sense may "cost" society
more in the long run thain a less ambitious but more respon-
sible effort to meet the total needs, whether that need is pbhsi-
cal, psychological, or environmental.
POLICIES FOR OUTDOOR
RECREATION
.\ ie\vealed in previous scctions of this report. .\laba,i has
many fine outdoor recreation facilities-both public aind
private. Deficiencies were obvious, however, and future
demand will greatly exceed the capacity of present resources.
Providing for these needs is not the sole responsibility of state
Hecreation is interwoven into all of the state's resources.
Therefo e, a high-level state coordinating committee is needed
to guide and direct Alabama's outdoor recreation program.
This coordinating committee should be composed of
Ilipresentatives of the Office of the Governor (including the
director of the Alabama Development Office), director of the
Department of Conservation, director of the State Bureau of
Publicity and Information, director of the HIighway Depart-
ment, director of the Health Department (who serves as head
of the various state environmental commissions), director of
the Alabama Historical Commission, and other department
directors as needed. As the state's official recreation and
tourism coordinating committee, the group would carry out
ear-to-vear responsibilities, including consideration of
;),irating programs of agencies involved with outdoor recre-
,tion and the establishment of policy goals and objectives.
llch a committee would provide leadership and guidance and
.I range for cooperation and coordination among levels of gov-
rnment, agencies, private enterprise, and individuals in out-
door recreation development. Consideration would be given to
development assistance, technical assistance, budgeting, and
planning and promotion needs of all outdoor recreation in the
state.
Two sub-committees are suggested to assist the committee:
One composed of professional employees of the state (workers
in recreation, fish and wildlife, x water safety, engineering,
water resources, community planning, historical research, and
others), and the other made up of people well versed in
various aspects of outdoor recreation and tourism fiorn dif-
ferent areas of Alabama.
The name of the Standing Committee on Conservation of
both the House and Senate of the Alabama Legislature should
be changed to "Conservation and Recreation." These com-
mittees should be concerned with the state's total needs in the
broad area of conservation and recreation. Both study and
visitation to various state recreation resources, public and
private, are needed for these lawmakers to develop an under-
standing of existing problems and of needed legislation.
In addition to being the primary coordinator, the state
should also play a major role in providing selected recreation
resources and facilities needed. The state should be particu-
larly concerned with providing or aiding others to furnish fa-
cilities for fishing and Iunting, water access areas, parklands,
boat launching ramps, and some of the campgrounds, trails.
and picnic area needs. Federal assistance (resources and
funds) should be sought, and the private sector encouraged to
provide some needed 
facilities.
Federal agencies like National Park Service, U. S. Forest
Service, Corps of Engineers, Tennessee V alley Authority,
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and WVildlife, U. S. Soil Conserva-
tion Service, and some Army bases should be encouraged to
supplement state government in providing recreation facilities
and resources. Some of these agencies have land in the state
that could be used for additional recreation facilities.
The Coordinating Committee should assist all goveirnmental
units, and to a lesser degree the private sector in planning
recreation projects and developments. Aid may include appro
priate legislation, financial support where possible, added in-
centives, technical assistance, and interagency planning.
Based on best available information and projections, major
dollar expenditures during the next 10 years should be oil de-
velopment. This does not mean 
that cities and towns, counties,
M othew 'menitelta ai nclies }liuld 11t 
acquire land
needed for new facilities oi to enlarge existing ones. Future
land needs are large and priorities need to be placed on land
in urban areas and adjacent to large water resources.
Combined land and facilities required to meet 
1980 needs
represent a large capital requirement. Although 
the funds
needed are of great magnitude, they should not 
change the
goals and desires of providing what is needed to make the
state's outdoor recreation program an outstanding one.
The state's outdoor recreation program in terms of both
quantity and quality can be as good as the people of the state
want it to he. Plans reflect needs. Implementation can be done
b% o nr utl 'i cies ixl .t ~'ti pi , and tions of
inli\iduals. Interested individuals and groups can make
known their desires and priorities. Joint efforts can make pos-
sible goal attainment.
Specific responsibilities of state government in an action
program are as follows:
1. To provide the additional facilities needed at parks
where capital development is now underway.
2. To protect and use wisely the resources of state owned
land, thereby providing for nature-oriented experiences and
activities for users.
3. To continue expanding its technical assistance to local
governments for acquisition and development of local open
spaces for recreation areas suited to local needs.
4. To acquire and exercise certain controls over the inland
bays and rivers, the state's wetlands, and tidal areas to provide
adequate public access to these areas and to prevent destruc-
tion of their ecology.
5. To provide proper coordination and cooperation among
all state agencies, boards, commissions, and departments
whose duties involve protection, development, use, or ad-
ministration of natural resources.
6. To develop large outdoor recreation 
and open space
systems and complexes 
and to avoid the acquisition 
of small,
scattered, and unrelated parcels of 
land. Particular emphasis
shouild be given to "filling in" voids 
in present large state own-
erships to make them more complete 
and usable units.
7. To encourage the federal government to expand its
present program in fish and wildlife management, and to
supply recreation resources and coordinate efforts with the
state s program.
8. To promote better use of the state's outdoor recreational
resources, which are presently under-utilized, thereby helping
to overcome the over-burdening of some major parks.
9. To promote or restrict resource use in a manner compati-
ble with the welfare of the fish and wildlife resources. This is
required to protect the status of 
species populations, maximize
the consumptive enjoyment of game 
species, and preserve the
non-consumptive values of all species for 
aesthetic and scien-
tific purposes.
10. To promote multiple use of all state 
and other public
land ownerships, including school 
facilities and usable
highwsay rights-of-way, for outdoor 
recreational programs.
11. To allow lease-concession type arrangements 
for com-
mercial services 
on state lands whenever 
private enterprise,
under state supervision, can reduce direct 
costs to the state
while maintaining or improving the 
level of service to the
public.
12. To adopt and enforce regulations 
allowing strong state
control over dredging, filling, 
and bulkheading of wetlands
and tidal shorelines.
13. To actively encourage the development 
of outdoor rec-
reation by private enterprise. There 
should be adequate regu-
lations allowing a reasonable return to 
the owners, and the
state should avoid undercutting any 
private operation by less
than fair market 
rates for motel and 
lodge rooms, camping,
and food services.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION
In addition to the necessity 
for ample development and
operating funds, a recreation 
program cannot be successful
without adequate legal protection 
and assistance. Existing
Alabama laws cover most of 
the action program outlined.
However, appropriate changes and 
additions to existing laws
in some subject areas could result 
in faster and more effective
achievement of a balanced recreation 
system in the state.
The proposed Coordinating Committee 
should review
needed legislation and determine 
the kinds of bills that should
be submitted to legislators. The 
Alabama Legislative Refer-
ence Service should develop specific 
bills based on recreation
research.
2. Establish a Coordinating 
Committee (membership 
and
functions described earlier).
3. Provide for an 
Alabama open space 
program.
4. Create a state Outdoor Foundation 
to encourage and fa-
cilitate citizen participation in preserving 
Alabama's natural
and historic 
heritage.
5. Provide for statewide protection 
of flood plains and their
proper use.
6. Establish legislation for developing 
and preserving sce-
nic rivers, wilderness 
areas, and trails systems.
7. Establish a technical assistance program for reclamation
of land strip mined prior to October 
1, 1970.
8. Provide for protection 
of natural resource areas, 
scenic
areas, some park 
areas, access areas, 
fish and wildlife 
areas,
and watei use areas 
by allowing the state 
to use selected
police powers.
9. Set selected limitations 
on use of condemnation powers
granted to public utility companies.
10. Provide for right of public 
access to all state owned
land related to navigable streams 
and tidal waters.
11. Encourage development 
of outdoor education for
people of all ages.
12. Provide legislation 
to enable local governments 
to de-
velop a wide variety 
of recreation programs 
and policies,
including countywide 
recreation boards, joint 
recreation
boards, cooperative 
facility arrangements, 
cooperative
purchasing, contractual services, 
and ways of funding pro-
grams by taxes when 
voted by local people 
involved.
Provisions should also 
be made for urban subdivision 
develop-
ments to have open space 
for public recreation sites. 
In some
U. S. cities that have 
such a program, the land 
is given to the
cities. In others, 
city governments have 
three years to
purchase the reserved open land 
at the developer's cost.
Many types of small recreation areas are best 
owned and
administered at the local level. 
When local governments are
unable to meet the demand, however, 
they turn to the state
government for assistance. Several 
methods are being used by
states to meet this problem. One is to 
broaden the tax base so
that local areas can provide more 
facilities. A second is for the
state to own and operate 
many small areas for local use.
Another is to provide matching funds at 
the state level for
local use-usually 20 to 25 per cent 
of capital cost. In other
cases states make loans to local governments 
for recreation
Jevelopment. A combination of the alternatives 
listed is
needed in Alabama.
A rather detailed study of existing laws is reported in Vol-
ume 7 of the staite plan, along with recommended legislation
concerning outdoor recreation. Some of the recommendations
briefly presented are:
1. Define the state's responsibility 
in recreation; tourism;
beautification; natural resource 
use and protection; water, air,
and land pollution; waste disposal; and outdoor conservation
education.
S.
(one r(,asoi for the state pr purin, t coinprehesive outdool
recreation plan is to maintain eligibility for receiving federal
Land and XWater Conservation Funds. These funds are ad-
ministered at the federal level by the Bureau of Outdoor Rec-
reation (BOR) under the Department of the Interior. This
year, some $2.2 million of these funds are allocated to
Alabama. In turn, these funds can be used by state and local
governmental agencies on a 50-50 matching basis.
The statewide plan makes the following provisions for the
use of LWC Funds:
1. Approximately 40 to 60 per cent of funds available
should go to state agency projects.
2. Remaining funds should be used as follows:
* To complete projects previously approved for political
subdivisions.
* To acquire land for political subdivisions according to
priorities established.
? For facility development on projects xwhere land and water
acreage was acquired through LWC funds.
" For all other eligible project applications.
* Programs for handicapped persons might be considered
ahead of the "other" project category above.
" All applications for funds should be considered on the
basis of the demand-supply-needs concept.
Priorities established are for evaluating eligible applications
for Land and Water Conservation Funds to finance 50 per
cent of the costs for planning, acquisition, and development of
projects. Facility development needs are generally greater
than needs for land. Nevertheless, land acquisition is given
priority under certain conditions.
Details on the availability of LWC Funds, forms to be de-
veloped, details regarding applications, and other related in-
formation can be obtained from:
Div ision of (O)utdoor eticreation
Department of Conservation
64 North Union Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
CONTINUANCE PLANNING
PROGRAM
Ani outdoor recreation plan is nothing more than a coordi-
nated comprehensive look into the future based on the condi-
tions, data, and trends evident at the time of its preparation. If
these change over time, the plan will no longer 
adequately
portray current needs. Therefore, the state plan will be period-
ically updated. Each update will reevaluate goals, objectives,
policies, and priorities in light of changes in the quantity and
type of facilities demanded. The update will also reflect 
shifts
in governmental attitudes, especially as related to their respec-
and changes in administrative and fiscal 
capabilities.
To periodically update the state's plan, a continuance pro-
gram of research and planning is necessary. 
Current studies
include 13 state streams for possible inclusion 
in a statewide
wild, scenic, and recreational rivers 
system; a statewide trails
system, including the Bartram Trail; 
tourism participation in
the state's outdoor recreation program; 
special needs of urban
areas; and special problems related to use 
of water resources.
Public participation is needed in 
updating the state's
comprehensive plan. This summary has been published 
and
widely distributed so that the public might know of 
the plan-
ning taking place in the state. For the plan 
to be updated ac-
cording to wishes of the public requires that 
the public make
known its desires regarding 
the quality, character, quantity,
and location of facilities. This responsibility is paramount. 
In
addition to making known their desires, citizens also have a re-
sponsibility to support the plans and programs and to preserve
and protect their natural heritage.
J.
& LI
--; "': j;i
WIWIi~~l
show developments in progress that will make these facilties highly desirable,
~I~V'~IKA
t j%
Acknowledgments
T!hei Alaharna Statewxide C ompi chcnsix e Ountdoor Recr e
ation Plan is the iresult of' cooper ative e fforts of many people
andci oraniizations. The Alahamna Department of' Conseivation
aiid Auburn ii1nix eisit, xxvish to expr ess thieii paricular appi(-.
ciation to the f'olloxxing agent its and oigatiizations that as-
sistedl iii pi oxidhii data and also exttndeI xvaluable adxvice and
cotnselin, in the deve lopnment of the plan.
S tote
\labana CGamc aind Fisht Div ision
Al~a ta Histot cil Ciommission
AlahaIna 1-Igltjx ax Depatrtmnit
Alaama Ouitdooi Retcitation Dixvision
Alabana iState Parkis Divxisio~n
'lahana Setafoodls Dixvision
A \lbia NT Wat Safetx Dixvision
L ocal
Alabama Mlountain Lakes Association
lallicoosa ildand Lakes A.ssoc tatioo
-A.abamia Poxxer C ompanx
Alahama Rleceation Sot ietx
F ederal
1 SDI Nanionail Parik Setrxite
U. S. Fot est Serite
U SD A Soil C onserxvationi Sericite
U. S. Fish anit Wtildllife Setrxice
U SDA Agicutltutal E xtenision Scix ice
U. S. Atnxy Coips of Etngineirs (Mobile and Saxvannah Dis-
trticts)
V SDI Binreau of Outdoot Recircation
Te nnessee tVallex Author ity
At -ioir U nx iesity, the contratcted poirtions of' the stutdy
xxe tindet the stipet xision of J. Homrne Blackstonec, Pioject
Leadet. Other staff nemeris contrihtuting to the plan xxere
Hoxxaid A, ?lcmnts, Ji. L S. Diriscoll, Etdwsaid W, NIcC ox, 11.
E. Steveinson, andI Josephx H. Yeaget, Six gr aduate students
an11d nmetous cttcal aid fielId etnint tatot s cotitedtt to
tht studyx
Ih In ttue p oject xxas untder the gener al suipetxviston of' 13.
W. Thasci, Chlifef, Dixvistoni of Outtdoor Recre ation, Aluaama
Dt P i tmnt of (onlset xatton.
P'hoto Crc'(it
Alatitna Dcpairtmcnt of Cotsetx atiots
Alahatita Depatrmeit of IluhliCitx antI Information
Alahaima l-Itghxx ax Depaittment
Alala Histotrtcal Commission
Alabamia Pttxx c Coinpanx
AjihUt iiUnixci sitx Agricultural Experiment Station
Aubiin iiUnix cisitx Extension Serxvice
C'itx oif Florece
Opelika Auburn Nexws
Tennessee Valley Author ity
U. S. Armnx Cotrps of Engineers
U. S. Forest Serv ice
U. S. National Park Serxvice
IT S. Soil Conservxation Serxvice
a publication of
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
in cooperation with
THE BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION
designed and produced by
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
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