Executive
Summary
ALABAMA OUTDOOR
RECREATION PLAN
OCTOBER 1976
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GOVERNOR'S OF
October 1, 1976 
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To the Citizens of Alabama:
This summary of Alabama's Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is submitted as a means of inform-
ing you about the State's recreational program its current status and needs and plans for the future. I
hope the material presented will create a new awareness of the importance of recreation for a full and
satisfying life, and that it will challenge each of you to support government and private enterprise in
efforts to develop a system of recreation that will fully serve the people of the State and visitors in the
years ahead.
The plan described on the following pages is the State's official guide for acquisition of needed space
and development of appropriate facilities for recreational purposes. Receiving equal emphasis is the need
for protecting the wealth of high quality land and water resources that abound in Alabama. Generations
to come will have the opportunity to enjoy these outstanding gifts of nature only through conservation
efforts of the present generation.
While the past and present are important, this report focuses on the future. It presents an accurate ac-
counting of what will be needed in the future, and points out steps that will be necessary by specific
governmental and private agencies to meet these future needs. High on the list is the need for adequate
funding for continued development, operation and maintenance of State Parks and other State operated
recreational sites.
You are invited to review this summary of the Alabama Outdoor Recreation Plan and to offer your com-
ments and suggestions. Your assistance is needed as further study, planning, and action are undertaken
to achieve the stated goals.
Sincerely.
/a6 4 . M O Q 6w
Implementing the Recreation Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1975 Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
OCTOBER 1976
PREPARED BY
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
PREFACE
This publication is dedicated to the multitudes of Alabamians - public
officials and private citizens alike-who are concerned about their State's
recreational situation and are willing to work to make it Number One in the
nation. It reports up-to-date facts about Alabama's current supply of outdoor
recreational resources, presents a statistical and descriptive accounting of
what will be required to meet recreational needs in 1980 and 2000, and
concludes with a roll call of governmental and private agencies involved in
recreational planning and development, specifying their roles in meeting
future needs.
Information in this publication represents a summary of findings from a
study conducted by Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station
under contract with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources. Under supervision of the late R. W. Thrasher, Chief of the
Department's Outdoor Recreation Section, the study was part of the State's
5-year continuant planning program. Three volumes of detailed data make up
the 1975 Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Information on the complete plan can be obtained from Outdoor Recreation
Section, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64
North Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.
Development and printing of this report were financed in part through a
planning grant from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Department of the
Interior, under provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of
1965 (Public Law 88-578). Auburn University staff members with major
responsibilities for preparation of this report were R. E. Stevenson, D. A.
Burleson, R. M. House, Doyce Yates, and J. Homer Blackstone as project
leader.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................... .
WHAT ALABAMA HAS TO OFFER .........
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN ALABAMA .....
WHO NEEDS TO DO WHAT IN ALABAMA .....
. . . . . . . 5
. . . . . . . 6
. . . . . . .4 1
. . . . . . .48
SUMMARY ................. ............ 58
Auburn University is an equal opportunity employer.
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Introduction
Recreation is one of the major components necessary for a full and
satisfying life. Both physical and mental well-being are enhanced by
wholesome recreational activities that provide a change of pace from hectic
day-to-day living that characterizes the 1970's. While strenuous exercise is
recognized as a must for good health of people whose work is not physical in
nature, less strenuous, or even passive, activities are equally important to the
elderly or handicapped. But regardless of the personal characteristics of
different people, every person has a need for recreation adapted to meet his
or her specific situation.
While there are many recreational activities that can be enjoyed indoors,
recreation to Alabamians generally means outdoor activities-boating, hiking,
swimming, sightseeing, picnicking, playing sports, hunting, fishing, water
skiing, camping, or any of several other activities that can be enjoyed in the
outdoors. And there's good reason for this outdoor orientation among
Alabama residents. Because of the State's wealth of natural resources and a
climate that permits almost year-round outdoor fun, outdoor recreation is
simply a characteristic of the people who live in the State. Younger
generations of Alabamians have grown up with the idea that the weekend is a
time for getting away from the cares of school or work by going to the lake
or beach or mountains for camping, fishing, swimming, hunting, or whatever
appeals to a particular family. This search for enjoyment reaches a peak in
summer, when school is out, with vacations and holidays providing extra time
for recreation.
There's another angle to recreation that cannot be overlooked: It's
importance as an income-producing industry. In 1975, according to reports
by the State Bureau of Publicity and Information, expenditures for recreation
and tourism in Alabama reached $846 million, up from $423 million in 1967.
This is an average annual increase of 12.5 percent. Cash receipts for
Alabama's recreation and tourism industry are projected to reach $1.4 billion
for 1980. The jobs created and the income generated by Alabama's recreation
and tourism industry have made a tremendous impact on the overall economy
of the State. Likewise, it will remain an important part of the State's future
economic growth and development.
Magnitude of recreation is difficult to comprehend on a statewide basis,
but consideration of annual participation rates helps bring the picture into
focus. Figures for 1973 show a total of more than 500 million activity
occasions that year. (An activity occasion is the participation by one person
in any one recreational activity for 30 minutes or more during a day, while
away from home.) This figures out to an average of 126 such occasions per
person for all Alabama residents during a year, plus some extra for visitors
from out of state.
Comparison of these latest participation figures with data from previous
years is not valid because only 21 activities were studied in 1967 and 1970, as
compared with 84 outdoor activities in 1973. In the earlier studies only 600
families were interviewed, while 1973 data were collected from 2,586
households containing 9,185 individuals. However, comparison of selected
activities for the various time periods shows significant per capita increases in
participation as well as high rates of participation for activities not previously
studied.
But the future promises even greater demand, with a growing population
boosting the market for recreation and increased emphasis on recreation
causing greater per capita participation. Projected figures for 1980 show
annual participation going up a full 20 percent to more than 600 million
activity occasions. A further increase of 56 percent is expected to take place
by the year 2000. The total that year will be nearing the one billion mark,
according to best estimates. The economic magnitude of the industry will
increase in proportion, or maybe even at greater rates as the growing
affluence of Alabama citizens provides more funds to be spent for leisure
activities.
While a certain amount of recreation will take place under even the worst
circumstances, recreational participation like that taking place in Alabama
and foreseen for the future does not happen by chance. Recent year growth
that has occurred in Alabama recreation required many new and expanded or
improved facilities, reflecting effective planning and coordinating efforts of
governmental and private agencies and individuals. Even more detailed
planning and coordination will be needed in the future to meet the ever
increasing demand for quality sites and facilities where Alabamians may go to
enjoy nature and participate in activities that appeal to them.
Meeting Alabama's recreational needs of the future is the subject of this
report. Discussions will center around (I) a review of detailed planning that
has been done at the State level to determine just what the needs will be at
specific future times, (2) details about what is currently available for use in
meeting needs of the future, and (3) precise outlining of what must be done
by appropriate agencies, businesses, and individuals to assure that residents of
all parts of the State have suitable recreational opportunities to satisfy their
needs and desires. While successes of recent years will be recognized, major
emphasis will be on the future-on needs and how to fill them.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALABAMA PLAN
Specific steps recommended for implementing Alabama's Recreation Plan
are based on detailed data collected in a comprehensive statewide study. This
research inventoried resources available for recreation and determined as
accurately as possible what Alabama residents and out-of-state visitors will
desire for future recreational enjoyment. It then related one set of data to the
other to paint a word and statistical picture of the situation at designated
future time periods. The study was made by Auburn University Agricultural
Experiment Station, under contract from the Alabama Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources. This same Alabama team had
cooperated in preparing previous plans that were useful in decision-making,
and the current plan reflects the experience and spirit of team work that had
carried over from previous projects.
A characteristic of the current Alabama Plan, and one that stood out in
previous plans, is the relating of data to a "people basis." This personal touch
has been maintained despite the extremely large numbers that are dealt with
in describing statewide situations, or even district totals. A major reason for
this is that much of the data were gathered on an individual county basis, and
this was then converted into district and finally into State totals. Recreational
sites were inventoried individually to provide information about available
resources and, by the same token, current and future participation rates were
obtained by surveying individuals and families about their part of the overall
recreational picture. As a result, the combined data are truly representative of
what Alabama has to offer and what will be required to satisfy the future
market for all types of recreation. Suggested actions for specific groups or
agencies are based on these meaningful data to provide a realistic approach to
filling the needs.
What Alabama Has To Offer
Tourism advertisements that claim "Alabama has it all" are generally
accurate. Alabama does indeed have the natural resources to appeal to almost
any whim of recreationists. The diversity in landscape encountered in going
from the Tennessee line to the Gulf Coast is like a fast moving travelogue that
has a new and different scene around each bend of the road. There are rugged
mountains, fertile valleys, rolling plains, hilly woodlands, swamps 
and deltas,
and sandy beaches; large cities, small towns, sleepy villages, farming
communities, and mile after mile of land inhabited only by wildlife; free
flowing streams, rivers harnessed for power production with 
resultant lakes,
and creeks that meander through the countryside; caves, canyons, cliffs, and
Sunshine and water are key ingredients for enjoyable recreation by people of
all ages who take part in water-oriented activities.
overlooks; and a feeling of history that permeates the countryside from one
end of the State to the other.
But there's a lot more than just what nature provided. Man-made
developments that complement the natural attractions have been developed
in large numbers by government agencies and individuals. These run the
gamut from museums depicting life in the distant past to attractions that
concern man's quest for outer space. Numerous sites that provide for
swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, trail riding, playing sports, and other
active recreational pursuits cash in on the natural resources that are necessary
for enjoyable outdoor play.
The latest Alabama study inventoried a total of 4,580 outdoor recreational
sites in the State. These were classified according to their one major
recreational enterprise, as listed below:
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Major enterprise
Campgrounds .................................
Field sport areas ...............................
Fishing w aters .................................
Golfing facilities ...............................
Historic and archaeological sites ...................
Hunting areas .................................
Natural and scenic areas ..........................
Picnic areas ............................
Race tracks, motor courses .......................
Recreational resorts .............................
Rockhounding areas ............................
Rodeos, zoos, amusement parks, and
outdoor theaters or movies .................. ..
Shooting preserves ..............................
Snow-ski areas ..........................
Trails ............. ....... .........
Vacation farms or dude ranches ....................
Water sport areas ...................... ....
TOTAL ...........................
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Number of sites
122
2,010
920
194
51
443
43
202
40
22
0
132
15
0
33
1
352
4,580
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Operators of the recreational sites listed above include various levels of
government, commercial enterprises that are operated as profit-making
businesses, and private or semi-private enterprises not operated for profit.
Numbers of each type identified in the inventory are as follows:
Type of operator
Federal ..................................
State ................ ........................
County .....................................
City .........................................
Combination ..................................
Commercial for profit ...........................
Private or semi-private, nonprofit ..................
Number of sites
185
265
907
1,204
14
1,124
881
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The Federal government is an important partner in Alabama's total
outdoor recreational supply network, furnishing many resources and services
that would be unobtainable through State or local government or private
enterprise. Among these resources are National Parks, 
National Forests,
National Wildlife Refuges, reservoirs and lakes, parkways, and various other
recreational services. The magnitude of the Federal contribution is masked by
the figures on total numbers of sites, which show only 185 sites (4 percent of
the State's total) as being Federal. Large acreages of land and water are
included in these 185 sites-735,740 surface acres, or 18 percent of the
State's total-which offer recreational opportunities for large numbers of
people. Most of this acreage available for recreation is operated by the
departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Interior, and the Tennessee Valley
Authority.
On the basis of one major type of recreational facility offered at a specific
site, Federal sites were classified as follows: campgrounds, 1; field sport areas,
9; fishing waters, 49; golfing facilities, 4; historic and archaeological sites, 4;
hunting areas, 22; natural and scenic areas, 2; picnic areas, 25; recreational
resorts, 1; trails, 3; and water sport areas, 65.
Department of Agriculture
Along with its major functions relating to agriculture and rural
development, the U. S. Department of Agriculture is also concerned with
recreation. USDA agencies carrying out recreational functions in Alabama are
Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service, Farmers Home Administration,
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, and Cooperative
Extension Service.
U. S. Forest Service
There are four National Forests in Alabama, one of which has two
locations: William B. Bankhead National Forest in north Alabama; Talladega
National Forest, with its Talladega Division in east Alabama and Oakmulgee
Division in west central Alabama; Tuskegee National Forest in east Alabama;
and Conecuh National Forest in extreme south Alabama. Total purchase area
covers 1,270,897 acres, of which about half is owned by the Federal
government and available for use in that agency's program of recreational
development.
Recreational facilities on the 19 areas maintained for public recreational
use include 316 campsites, 590 acres of ponds and lakes for fishing and
swimming, several streams, and 123 picnic tables. All of the Forests' Federal
land is open to the public, providing opportunities for hiking, nature walking,
fishing, hunting, or other activities.
The five wildlife management areas within National Forest boundaries in
Alabama represent a valuable hunting resource, under operation of the
Alabama Game and Fish Division as part of its wildlife management program.
Some 238,346 acres of land (229,038 acres of Forest Service land) are in
these wildlife management areas: Black Warrior, in the William B. Bankhead
National Forest; Oakmulgee, in the Oakmulgee Division of the Talladega
National Forest; Choccolocco and Hollins areas in the Talladega Division of
the Talladega National Forest; and Blue Springs, in the Conecuh National
Forest.
Fishing, boating, swimming, and camping opportunities are provided by
of the Alabama Power Company's Lewis Smith Lake is in the William B.
Bankhead National Forest. A wealth of plant and animal life is available in
these areas for viewing or studying by students or other interested persons.
The Talladega Scenic Drive being built in the Talladega Division of the
Talladega National Forest will offer opportunities for sightseeing and access
to several recreational sites. New and improved hiking trails are being added
in two National Forests, which will supplement the unpaved roads now being
used for hiking, horseback riding, and driving.
National Forests in Alabama received a boost in January 1975 when
President Ford signed a law making the 12,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness in the
Bankhead Forest a part of the National Wilderness Program. Other legislation
put into effect provided for a study of the West Fork Sipsey River, which is
also related to the Bankhead Forest, for possible inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. Also, a 500-acre tract of forestland in the
Talladega National Forest (Bibb County) has been designated a part of the
Nationwide Research Natural Area by the Forest Service. The tract, known as
the Reed Brake Research Natural Area, is noted for its longleaf-scrub oak
timber stand. The area will be maintained in its natural condition.
Other USDA Agencies
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has developed watershed projects in
Bullock, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Hale, Jackson,
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Department of Defense
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the major component of the
Department of Defense that supplies recreational facilities and opportunities
in Alabama. However, military bases in the State cover 180,000 surface acres
and furnish such recreational facilities as water 
areas, playfields, playgrounds,
golf courses, fishing and hunting areas, and trails for military personnel and
their dependents. Military land is used for the Alabama Space Center and for
numerous special events, which add to Alabama's recreational resource.
Corps of Engineers
Recreational development is a function of the Corps of Engineers' civil
works program, along with such duties as waterway development, flood
control, power generation, shore protection, water supply, water quality, and
fish and wildlife enforcement. With II existing stream impoundments
(147,330 acres of water) wholly or partially in Alabama providing resources
for both water and land activities, the Corps of Engineers represents a major
Soil Conservation Service programs have encouraged landowners to develop
feed and cover on land to improve hunting potential.
Lawrence, Madison, Miarengo, Perry, Randolph, and Talladega counties that
have areas used for water-oicented recreation, and others are under
construction or being planned. Three USDA agencies, the Soil Conservation
Service, Forest Service, and Economic Research Service, are developing watler
and related resource plans for the Alabama, Tornbigbee, Northeast Gulf, and
Black Warrior river basins in cooperation with the Alabama Development
Office. These plans will examine outdoor recreation needs through 2020 and
identify opportunities for meeting these needs through USDA and other
programs.
Assistance to private landowners in developing recreational facilities is
offered by Farmers Ilome Administration, Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service, and SCS. The Cooperative Extension Service provides
leadership and assistance to public groups and agencies and private
organizations in developing recreational facilities.
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The Alabanma Space and hockea Center, utrtsvillo, offers a unique oppor-
tunity for tourists and other recreationists to learn about the nation's space
program while enjoying themselves.
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supplier of recreational opportunities. And the 115 public use areas
established on these sites offer boat launching ramps, marina concession
facilities, fishing decks, picnic tables, picnic shelters, grills, camping spaces,
swimming beaches, overlooks, hunting land, and hiking and nature trails. This
is in addition to the fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and waterfowl
hunting that take place on the lakes themselves.
The Aliceville and Gainesville lakes are now under construction on the
Tombigbee River. These will provide recreational opportunities similar to
those available on existing Corps lakes: Bankhead Lake, Holt Lake, Warrior
Lake, Demopolis Lake, Jones Bluff Lake, William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir,
Coffeeville Lake, Claiborne Lake, Walter F. George Lake, George W. Andrews
Lake, and the newly completed West Point Lake. Although West Point,
Walter F. George, and Andrews lakes are only partially in Alabama, their
entire surface area of 72,670 acres of water is fully accessible from the
Alabama shoreline.
Recreation was considered a primary purpose of the West Point Lake
during its planning and construction, and this emphasis is obvious. Eight of its
recreational sites, encompassing 3.000 acres, are wholly or partially in
Alabama, one of which is the Burnt Village Park.
Camden State Park was built totally on Corps leased land on the shoreline
of the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, and Lakepoint Resort State Park
now under construction is partially on land leased from the Corps on Walter
F. George Lake. The Fort Toulouse site, on Jones Bluff Lake, is being
developed cooperatively by the Corps and the Alabama Historical
Commission. Also on Jones Bluff Lake, the Powder Magazine site is being
developed jointly by the Corps and the City of Montgomery. Leasing of
Corps land by the State, counties, cities, and marina concession operators has
made possible development of recreational sites with outstanding water and
land resources that would not have been possible without such cooperative
action. The Demopolis Wildlife Management Area (7,054 acres) is leased by
the Corps to the Alabama Game and Fish Division.
Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA lakes have made north Alabama a truly outstanding area for water-
related recreation. The four reservoirs resulting from the agency's
multi-purpose water control program (Pickwick, Wilson, Wheeler, and
Guntersville lakes) provide 200,830 acres of water (summer pool) and 2,662
miles of shoreline. These four lakes extend the entire width of the State,
offering an unparalleled variety of scenic beauty, with water surfaces ranging
from broad, open expanses to deep, winding waters with rugged shorelines of
wooded mountain slopes. In a cooperative effort with the Bear Creek
Development Authority, TVA has constructed two small reservoirs in the
Bear Creek Watershed area, and two additional reservoirs are now under
construction. The four lakes will provide a total of 8,280 acres of water,
which will further enlarge recreational opportunities in this area.
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This scene is typical of what can be seen on TVA lakes across north Alabama
as State residents and out-of-state visitors take to the water for recreation.
A wide array of recreational facilities is in operation on TVA lakes, under
the ongoing program whereby TVA makes land and water available for
recreational development. The list includes a National Parkway. a National
Wildlife Refuge, 3 State Parks and numerous State access areas, 8 State
wildlife management and public shooting areas, 8 county parks, 13 city parks,
and some 50 private recreational sites (boat docks, marinas, rental cabin
areas, motels, fishing resorts, camps, and recreational areas). Activities
provided for on and near TVA lakes include swimming, boating, water skiing,
fishing, camping, hiking, nature walking, horseback riding, hunting, golfing,
and picnicking. In addition to making recreational sites available for others to
develop, TVA is now providing such basic facilities as parking and picnic
areas, launching ramps, and sanitary facilities where needed for safety and
protection of users and protection of lake ecology.
Department of the Interior
Importance of the Department of the Interior to the nation's recreation is
emphasized by its custody of 750 million acres of land nationwide.
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Coordination of Federal and state programs is provided through its Bureau of
Outdoor Recreation. Specific duties involving development and conservation
of fish and wildlife resources and operation of scenic and historic resources
are handled through the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service.
National Park Service (NPS)
NPS maintains three areas in Alabama that cover 4,600 acres of
land-Russell Cave National Monument in Jackson County and Horseshoe
Bend National Military Park near Dadeville, both of which are completed, and
the yet to be completed Natchez Trace Parkway across the northwest corner
of the State.
Russell Cave preserves 8,000 years of man's history in the rugged areas of
Jackson County. Facilities there include a small land area, the cave, a
museum, a hiking trail, a picnic area, parking area, and employee homes.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is a 2,400-acre facility established
in 1959 on the site where Andrew Jackson and his troops won their decisive
victory over the Creeks at the Horseshoe Bend of the Tallapoosa River. Plans
call for reconstructing the log breastwork to add to the current attractions of
picnic areas, nature trails, and museum.
Restoration and operation of the historic district on the campus of
Tuskegee Institute has been added to NPS responsibility in Alabama.
Although legislation assigned this duty in 1975, adequate funds have not yet
been made available for carrying out the planned program.
Fish and Wildlife Service
Three National Wildlife Refuges in Alabama are used by the Fish and
Wildlife Service in its major duty of conserving wild birds, animals, and sport
fish for recreational and economic values. The three are in extreme northern,
southeastern, and southwestern regions of the State.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, a 35,000-acre holding, is located on
TVA's Wheeler Lake on the Tennessee River. About equally divided between
water and land area, the Refuge provides resources for fishing, hunting,
picnicking, swimming, skiing, and boating. Major recreational attractions are
fishing, sightseeing, nature walking, and waterfowl observation. There are
only five picnic tables and no designated swimming areas, which limit these
activities, and camping is permitted during the day only. Hunting is limited to
specific times during the hunting season, while year-round fishing is
permitted. Four boat launching ramps are available in the Refuge.
Beaverdam Creek Swamp (Limestone County) is located within the
Refuge. This a 503-acre prime tupelo gum swamp that is listed on the
National Register of Natural Landmarks.
The Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge covers 11,160 acres of land and
water, including 8,000 acres in Alabama and 3,160 acres in Georgia. Located
on the Corps' Walter F. George Lake on the Chattahoochee River, it offers
fishing and sightseeing throughout the year and limited hunting. Bird
[111
watching and photography are drawing cards at this Refuge where 185 species
of birds have been identified.
The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge is smaller than the others, having
4,128 total acres with 1,500 acres of open water. Only fishing and sightseeing
are currently allowed in the Refuge located in Choctaw County on the Corps'
Coffeeville Lake. Future hunting is dependent on acquisition of additional
land.
The Fish and Wildlife Service also operates a fish hatchery at Carbon Hill
to produce fingerlings for stocking various fishing waters.
Other Federal Programs
Several other Federal agencies offer a helping hand to recreational
developments in carrying out their particular assigned duties of service. For
example, the Department of Housing and Urban Development aids cities in
acquiring land for recreation through its open-space land program; the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare helps in assuring sanitation of
water resources for recreation; the Department of Transportation cooperates
with the Alabama Highway Department in developing highways that serve for
sightseeing and for access to recreational areas; the Small Business
Administration cooperates with banks to provide loans for local
developments, of which recreational developments are eligible. Loans, grants,
or appropriations have been received for recreational development from the
Economic Development Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commis-
sion, Dingell-Johnson Act, the Pittman-Robertson Act, the Land and Water
Conservation Fund, Revenue Sharing, and the Community Development
Block Grant Funds.
STATE GOVERNMENT
Major recreational responsibilities seem to be in the realm of State services.
This includes not only a major role in planning and coordinating, but also in
developing and supplying needed recreational facilities. Much attention to
recreation needs have been given at the State level in recent years, with
resulting additions and improvements to State-furnished resources. Results of
these concerted efforts are obvious at State Parks, historic sites and
landmarks, highway rest areas, fishing lakes, and other type facilities operated
by the State.
Inventoried in 1974 were 265 recreational sites operated by State agencies.
Although this was only 5.79 percent of the total number of sites in Alabama,
the 767,852 acres in these sites (much of it leased) accounted for nearly 19
percent of all recreational land in the State. Classification of these sites
according to one major recreational enterprise showed the following:
campgrounds, 2; field sport areas, 10; fishing waters, 26; golfing facilities, 3;
historic and archaeological sites, 9; hunting areas, 44; natural and scenic areas,
5; picnic areas, 86; recreational resorts, 4; trails, 3; and water sport areas, 73.
State Operated Recreational 
Sites
Name and map nub.
I. Joe Wheeler . .
2. [1k River ....
3. Monte Sano...
4. Lake Cuntersvill
5. Buck's Pocket..
6. DeSoto ....
7. Rickwood (aver
8. Lake Lurleen.
9. Oak Mountain.
101. (licaha ....
11. Wind Creek . .
12. Paul NM. Crist.
13. (hick asaw ...
14. Chewacla...
I5. Lakepoint Resoi
16. Camden ....
17. Bladon Springs
18. Little River..
19. Blue Springs. .
21). (hattahoochee
2 1.1 lorala ....
22. Lightwood Knoi
Creek ....
23. Meaher ....
24. Culf State...
25. IFort Morgan..
1,ocation,
Count v A creageher
.... Lauderdale-
.... Limestone
.... Madison
e . . . . Marshall
- Jackson-
Marshall-
DeKaib
... eKalb
ns . . . Blount
... Tuscaloosa
.helby
.leb urne
.I . allapoosa
... Dallas
... Marengo
... Lee
t Barbour
... Wilcox
... Choctaw
.[ .. scanibia
... Barbour
.Il.. ouston
.ovington
.ovington
... Baldwin
... Baldwin
... Baldwin
Nlame and map num her
1. Barbour County ...
2.Ch ambers County..
3. Clay County ....
4.Coffee County ....
5.c Crenshaw County..
6. Dale County ....
7. Dallas County ....
8. DeKalb County...
9.1 Fayette County...
10. Lamar County . . . .
11.Lee County ....
12. Madison County . . .
13. Marion County...
W4. Monroe County .
15. Pike County .
16.Walker County
I 7.Washington County
(J. E mmett Wood)
2,820
80
2,140
5,835
2,000
4,950
380
1,625
9,940
2,719
1,354
1,080
540
696
1,220
200
357
960
103
596
35
2,050
300
6,160
535
A creage
Water Site
Name and mnap number A creage Type game
1
1. Barbour .. .. .. .. 23,985 WI -BG-SC
2. Black Warrior .. . 96,580 BC-SC
3. Blue Spring .. .. .. 22,500 WI -BC SC
4. Butler .. .. .. .... 20,200 BG-SC
5. (ahiaba. .. .. .. .. 22,000 BC SG
6. (hoccoloeco . . . .39.424 BC-Sc;
7. Coosa .. .. .. ... 38,360 BC-SC
8. Covington. .. .. .. 22,344 B(; SC
9. Crow Creek Refuge. 2,512 SC
10. Crow Creek .. .. .. 2,161 WI -SC
11. Demnopolis. .. .. ... 7,133 WI -BC-SC
12. Hollins.......... 36,342 BC-SC
13. Kinterbish .. .. ... 13,614 BC-SC
14. Lama-rion .... 5,600 WI -BC-SC
15. Lauderdale....... 19,890l BC-S(,
16. Little River ........ 18,000 BC SC
17. Mallard I ox Creek . 2,460 WI:-SC
18. Mud Creek. .. .. .. 8,193 WI _SC
19. N. Sauty Refuge . .5,200 SC
20. Oakmnulgee .. .. .. 43,500 BC SC
21. Raccoon. .. .. .... 7,080 WI -SC
22. 1,rank WN. and Rob
M. Boykin .. .. ... 24,015 BC-SC
23. Scotch. .. .. .. .. 20,48(0 BC-SC
24. Seven-Mile Island. . 4,685 WI -SC
25. Skyline. .. .. .. .. 35,327 BC-SC
26. Swan Creek .. .. .. 6,194 WI, -SC
27. Thomas .. .. .. .. 30,321) BC-SC
28. 1. R. Miller .. .. .. 37,230 BC SC
29. W olf (Creek .. .. .. 31,000 BC-SC
I B(;= big game; SC small game; WI
waterfowl. Data updated tn July 1974.
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Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
State Parks Division
Alabama's State Park system ranks right at the top among all states in the
South. Its 22 fully operational parks literally blanket the State with high
quality attractions that are as varied as the State's topography. One can climb
high mountains, descend deep canyons, enjoy clear blue lakes, or play on
sparkling Gulf beaches-all in a beautiful Alabama State Park. And the
man-made components of these parks are equally impressive, offering
magnificent dining rooms, luxurious living accommodations, functional
meeting spaces, and fully equipped recreational areas. These fully operational
Joe Wheeler State Park, located on TVA's Wheeler Lake, is one of the State
Parks that received extensive development in the recent modernization
program.
and staffed State Parks are located so that at least one is in relatively easy
traveling distance of each Alabama municipality, as shown by the map on
page 12. Three other non-staffed parks with limited facilities and two
unlisted small, isolated, and undeveloped sites bring total surface area of
Alabama Stare Parks to 48,794 acres. This amounts to 13.77 acres of land per
1,000 residents, close to the recommended goal of 15 acres per 1,000
persons.
Joe Wheeler State Park. The major park improvement program just
completed made significant additions and improvements to this northern
Alabama park in Lauderdale and Lawrence counties. Addition of a beautiful
new lodge and support buildings, marina, golf course, swimming pool, 
roads,
and sewage facilities added much potential to the facility that already had
cabins, picnic facilities, boat access sites, playfields, and a swimming area. It
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J. restaurant, additional cabins, 
campground, and a new parking area at DeSoto
State Park, which assures even greater use of this 4,950-acre site that is
r known for its spectacular beauty. Located mainly 
in DeKalb County atop the
SLookout Mountain range, it is characterized by rugged mountain terrain
S , softened by dense forest growth. The park extends about 28 miles along
SLittle River, with DeSoto Falls and Little River Canyon serving as major
/ l , attractions. Older facilities include cabins, picnic areas, rental boats,
swimming area, hiking trails, small playfields and play areas, and vista points.
' " , - Lake Guntersville State Park. This completely 
modernized park is probably
A .unequaled in the South or the United States. 
The spectacular lodge,
Srestaurant, and meeting facilities recently completed offer a breathtaking
t view of Lake Guntersville, which is available for popular water sports with
facilities furnished by the park. A golf course, clubhouse, pool, beach,
campground, and cottages were also added to supplement existing picnic
areas, rental boat area, boat access area, and hiking trails. The 5,835-acre
Little River Canyon continues to serve as a major attraction for recreationists
who visit Desoto State Park and surrounding area.
Horseback riding is offered at Monte Sano State Park, a faci: ,
ing atmosphere just minutes away from downtown Huntsville.
now attracts meetings, while still drawing recreationists who come to cnjo?
water-related activities on the 2,820-acre park on TVA's Wheeler Lake.
Wheeler Dam and powerhouse are related drawing cards. Campsites are under
construction.
Monte Sano State Park. Located atop Monte Sano Mountain in Madison
County, Monte Sano State Park is almost in the middle of the large
population center in and around Huntsville. Cabins and other buildings on
this 2,140-acre facility were constructed during the CCC era of the 1930's
with picnic area, horseback riding trails, stables, hiking trails, amphitheater.
playfields, and vista points added later. It also has a small undeveloped
camping area.
DeSoto State Park. The recent park improvement program added a motel.
This game room at Lake Lurleen State Park illustrates success of efforts
to provide a wide variety of opportunities for visitors to Alabama State Parks.
facility was originally called Little Mountain State Park, but the name was
changed to Lake Guntersville to make it easier for potential users to locate.
Cheaha State Park. Perched atop Alabama's highest mountain, Cheaha
State Park offers spectacular scenery for recreationists who come to enjoy its
crisp mountain air while relaxing in the new lodge, swimming pool, cabins, or
camping areas, or savoring a meal in the appealing new restaurant. Located 25
miles north of Talladega and 29 miles south of Anniston, Cheaha
encompasses 2,719 acres that have been a favorite for nature lovers since its
development during the CCC era. In addition to the housing and eating
facilities, this park has a 6-acre swimming lake in the valley, a spring-fed
reservoir on top of the mountain, picnic areas, swimming beach, bathhouse,
rental boats, fishing area, hiking trails, vista points, and concessions.
Oak Mountain State Park. Located just 16 miles south of Birmingham, Oak
Mountain State Park has recently received major improvements aimed at
making it suitable for heavy day use. Provided in 
its 9,940 acres of rugged,
hilly to mountain terrain are four recreational lakes, campgrounds, cabins,
demonstration farm, golf course, picnic area, playgrounds, riding stables, and
boating facilities.
Lake Lurleen State Park. A 250-acre lake is the focal point of the
1,625-acre Lake Lurleen State Park that is used mainly for water-related
activities. Facilities available include a concession 
building, fishing piers,
swimming beach, bathhouse, rental boats, and campground. Formerly known
as Tuscaloosa County Lake, the park is 12 miles west of Tuscaloosa.
This luxurious restaurant at Cheaha State Park, with its breathtaking moun-
tain view, represents a new concept in State Parks for Alabama, a concept
that has received enthusiastic approval by visitors from a wide area of the
United States.
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open and other facilities in limited use. When completed it w ill have a lodge,.
motel, cabins, marina, swimming area, and related areas associated with water
activities. This new facility is located on the Corps' Walter F. George Lake in
Barbour County, with its 1,220 acres split by U.S. 431 at the former Cowikee
i (recek Park and Landing Area. It joins the Eufaula 
National Wildlife Refuge,
which will permit some joint use of Refuge land for wildlife viewing and trail
.13 walking by park users.
Blue Springs State Park. This 103-acre park in Barbour County has picnic
areicas, swimming pool, wading pool, camping 
area, a small fishing lake,
bathhouse, and tennis courts. Major attractions are the natural springs and
lake.
Gulf State Park. The beautiful Gulf beach provides the greatest drawing
_ _=, card for the spectacular Gulf State Park, at Gulf Shores, but the Gulf is only
. . 1 t -one component of this major recreational and vacation facility. It offers more
different outdoor recreational activities than any other in the State, with an
18-hole golf course, campgrounds, cabins along the fresh water lake, picnic
areas, salt and fresh water swimming areas, boat access, playfields, and fishing
pier. Focal point and major attraction of Gulf 
State Park are new additions
p L provided by the recent 
modernization program-a new motel, convention
Meeting facilities at Lake Guntersville State Park are typical of the expanded r
services offered by the outstanding system of State Parks in Alabama. _
Wind Creek State Park. Formerly operated as a private park, Wind Crce:
State Park encompasses 1,354 acres on Lake Martin in Tallapoosa CountN W
Water sports are the main attraction at this facility that provides access to th
39,000-acre Alabama Power Company lake. Facilities include resources tf,!
camping, swimming, water skiing, picnicking, nature walking, fishing, boating
and related activities.
Chewacla State Park. Built in the 1930's under the CCC program, Chewacla
State Park is located near Auburn in Lee County, convenient to Interstate 85 '
Sitting astride the Fall Line separating the Piedmont and Coastal Plains areas.
this park has interesting geological features in its 696 acres of forested land r
that varies from flat to hilly and rugged. A 26-acre lake impounded above a
picturesque waterfall is a focal point for the facility that is equipped for 
-1
picnicking, swimming, hiking, and viewing of the wealth of plants 
and other
scenic points of interest. Cabins, bathhouse, covered and open picnic areas.
boat access area, and playground are provided.
Camden State Park. Site of the new 200-acre Camden State Park is th.
shore of the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, a 17,500-acre Corps oi .
Engineers impoundment. Opening of this new park with its 9-hole gol
course, cabins, boat access area, campground, playground, and bathhouse
filled a void in this area of the State that had limited recreational facilities.
Oak Mountain State Park, near Birmingham, offers unique opportunities for
Lakepoint Resort State Park. Although still under construction, Lakepoint city youngsters to make friends with various farm animals, while providing
Resort State Park already has its 18-hole golf course and 190-site campground varied recreational attractions for other member of the family.
Although the luxurious lodge and convention center are major drawing cards
for Gulf State Park, the public beach area offers low cost recreation to thou-
sands throughout the summer season.
center, pavilion, and Gulf fishing pier. Five related coastal areas operated by
the State also help attract sightseers and tourists to the park. These are
Romar Beach, Alabama Point, an unnamed narrow strip of land extending
from Alabama Point eastward to the Florida line, lixie Graves Parkway, and
a 160-acre area on Mobile Bay.
Other State Parks. Further extending the park system are the new Buck's
Pocket State Park in DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall counties that was
dedicated in 1971, Elk River State Park in Limestone County, Rickwood
Caverns in Blount County, Paul M. 
Grist State Park in I)allas County,
Chickasaw State Park in Marengo County, Bladon Springs State Park in
Choctaw County, Meaher State Park and Fort Morgan State Park in Baldwin
County, Little River State Park in Monroe and iEscamlbia counties, Florala
State Park and Lightwood Knot Creek State Park in Covington County, and
Chattahoochee State Park in lHouston County. Although less developed and
offering fewer uses than the ones described in more detail, these parks are
valuable components of the overall recreational supply in Alabama.
Game and Fish Division
'Through its management of public 
fishing lakes, public water access areas,
and wildlife management areas, the Game and Fish Division serves as a major
supplier of recreational services. Fishing, hunting, and hoating rank high in
popularity among recreational activities, and these pursuits are served by this
Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Public Fishing Lakes. There are 17 public fishing lakes in Alabama that
furnish thousands of "fishing trips" for residents and out-of-state visitors.
Charges for fishing, rental of boats available at the lakes, and for launching
personal boats are low enough to make these facilities available to people of
all economic situations. Some of the lakes offer picnic facilities. Bass and
bream are major species in the public lakes, although some also have catfish
and others include black crappie. 
Major facilities of these lakes are described,
with numbers corresponding to numbers on the map on page 12.
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Among the many fascinating caves that visitors may enjoy in Alabama is
Rickwood Caverns State Park, near Birmingham.
1. Barbour County Lake, a 75-acre impoundment on a 250-acre tract, is 7
miles north of Clayton on County Highway 49. Open since 1958, it has a
concession stand, restrooms, 13 picnic tables, 12 boats for rent, three earthen
boat launching areas, and a pier.
2. Chambers County Lake, located between LaFayette and Cusseta on
County Hlighway 55, is a 184-acre lake on a 636-acre tract that was opened in
1963. It has a concession stand, restrooms, 
22 picnic tables, 24 boats for rent,
concrete launching ramp, and pier.
3. Clay County Lakes consist of three lakes totaling 65 acres on a 360-acre
area 2 miles west of Delta and 30 miles south of Anniston. First opened in
1951 with just one lake, the site has a concession stand, restrooms, 16 picnic
tables, and 13 boats for rent.
4. Coffee County Lake is located 4 miles northwest of Elba. Opened in
1951, the 202-acre facility has an 80-acre 
lake, concession stand, restrooms,
30 boats for rent, 25 picnic tables, and two earthen launching ramps.
5. Crenshaw County Lake is a 53-acre impoundment on 240 acres, 5 miles
south of Luverne on U.S. Highway 29. It has a concession stand, 25 picnic
tables, 18 boats for rent, and a launching site.
6. Dale County Lake, a 92-acre lake on a total area of 355 acres, is located
2 miles north of Ozark. Opened in 1959, it has a concession stand, 
20 boats
for rent, 20 picnic tables, and a concrete launching ramp.
7. Dallas County Lake, located 15 miles south of Selma near Sardis, has a
concession building, restrooms, 
primitive camping area, eight 
picnic tables,
nine boats for rent, and an earthen launching ramp. The lake is 100 acres in
size, in a 306-acre site.
8. DeKalb County Lake features 
a I 20-acre lake with concession 
building,
restrooms, picnic tables, rental boats, and launching ramps. The 300-acre site
is V2 mile from Sylvania.
9. Fayette County Lake, opened in 1950, has 60 acres of water in total
area of 255 acres. Located 4 miles southwest of Fayette on County Highway
35, it has a concession stand, 
restrooms, 23 picnic tables, 21 
boats for rent,
and an earthen launching ramp.
10. Lamar County Lake, a 68-acre impoundment located 5 miles west of
Vernon, was opened in 1953. Facilities at the 195-acre site include a
concession stand, restrooms, 31 boats for rent, and 19 picnic tables.
11. Lee County Lake, located about 8 miles from both Auburn and
Opelika, has 132 acres of water in 
the 268-acre site. It has a concession 
stand,
picnic area, rental boats, and a concrete launching ramp.
Primitive camping is enjoyed in rugged Buck's Pocket State 
Park by many
who prefer "back to nature" camping rather than luxury camping.
7.
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12. Madison County Lake has 105 acres of fishing water on a 317-acre site
10 miles northwest of Huntsville. Opened in 
1962, it has a concession stand,
31 boats for rent, and a concrete launching ramp.
13. Marion County Lake is a 45-acre lake located 5 miles south of
Hamilton on U.S. Highway 31. Opened in 1962, the 317-acre site has a
concession stand, restrooms, 12 boats for rent, 42 picnic tables, and two
earthen launching ramps.
14. Monroe County Lake was opened in 1969. Located 1 mile from
Beatrice, the 245-acre site has a 94-acre 
lake, concession stand, restrooms,
rental boats, picnic tables, and a launching ramp.
15. Pike County Lake, located 4. miles south of Troy, has 4-5 acres of water
on total area of 407 acres. Opened in 1953, this facility has a concession
stand, four picnic tables, 11 boats for rent, two earthen launching ramps, and
outdoor toilets on one side of the lake.
16. Walker County Lake is a 163-acre impoundment on an area of 297
acres 2 miles south of Jasper. It has a concession stand, restrooms, 49 boats
for rent, earthen launching ramp, and pier.
17. J. Emmett Wood Lake in Washington County, southwest of Millry, was
opened in 1967. The 245-acre tract 
has an 84-acre lake, concession building,
restrooms, 20 boats for rent, and an earthen launching ramp.
Wildlife Management Areas. With much private land either closed to
hunting or restricted to hunting by club members or friends of owners, the 29
wildlife management areas in Alabama represent the sole source of hunting
sites for many residents and out-of-state visitors. These 29 wildlife
management areas encompass a total of 666,349 surface acres, most of which
is not owned by the State but is under contractual arrangement for
development and operation by the State. Most of the areas offer both big
game (deer, turkey) and small game (squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove). Waterfowl
hunting is available on 10 of the areas. Special programs offered include bow
and arrow seasons for antlerless deer and special hunts designed for
population control of game species when needed. Despite limitations imposed
by the need for large blocks of land, the wildlife management areas are
located near enough to population centers to serve the State's hunters, as
indicated by the locations shown on the map on page 12.
Marine Resources and Water Safety Divisions
Although these two divisions of the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources supply only limited recreational facilities directly, their
work helps assure satisfying recreational experiences in many areas.
The Marine Resources Division has the responsibility of protecting salt
water fish and other seafood for both sport and commercial fishing. Along
with constant efforts to prevent pollution of coastal waters, the Division
Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan, at the mouth of Mobile Bay, are historic sites
that attract the serious student of history as well as the casual visitor.
coordinated the formation of offshore and inshore fishing reefs made by
sinking five World War II Liberty Ships and numerous barges. These artificial
reefs are credited with increasing both salt water and brackish water fishing in
Alabama.
The Water Safety Division is involved in water safety in numerous ways. In
addition to enforcement efforts, educational programs are being conducted to
reduce accidents by the boating public. The Division also places and
maintains buoys and signs to aid navigation on many waterways of the State.
Alabama Historical Commission
Recent.-year interest in Alabama's historical background, which reached a
peak during observance of the nation's bicentennial, has boosted visibility of
the work of the Alabama Historical Commission and made it more important
to the State's recreational supply. While maintaining and operating 10 sites
itself, the Commission has located hundreds of others that are of significant
historical value and coordinated the efforts of city and county governments
and private individuals and organizations in preserving and using such historic
sites.
More than 4,400 structures, several hundred archaeological sites, and
numerous objects have been recorded in the Statewide Plan of Historic
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Veterans of the American Revolution organized this Presbyterian Church in
Greensboro. The old slave gallery may still be seen in the historic structure.
Preservation, thanks to efforts of the Commission staff and local volunteers.
Several hundred of the more important landmarks have been preserved by
government or private individuals and groups, and these are among the State's
popular tourist attractions.
As of April 1975, Alabama had 184 entries on the National Register of
Historic Places. Sixteen of these sites or structures have been named as
National Historic Landmarks, indicating their national significance. These are:
Barton Hall and Wilson Dam, in Colbert County; Moundville Mississippian
Ceremonial Center and St. Andrews Church, in Hale County; 
J.L.M. Curry
Home and Swayne Hall, in Talladega County; Tuskegee 
Institute (20
structures), in Macon County; 
Gaineswood, in Marengo 
County; Fort Morgan,
in Baldwin County; City 
Ilall-City Market, in Mobile 
County; Fort Toulouse,
in Elmore County; William I owndes 
Yancey Law Office, Alabama State
Capitol, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, and the Powder Magazine, 
in
Montgomery County; and Apalachicola Fort, in Russell County.
The National Register of Natural Landmarks includes 
six Alabama sites:
Shelta Cave in lluntsville; Cathedral Caverns near 
Grant; Beaverdam Creek
Swamp in the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge; Dismal Gardens 
in Franklin
County; Newsome Sinks Karst Area in Morgan County; 
and the
Mobile-Tensaw Rivers Bottom Land that includes 
the Mobile Delta Area. The
Bald Rock Environmental Study Area near 
Wadley, operated by Southern
Union State Junior College, is one of 16 sites 
in the United States designated
as a National Environmental Education Landmark.
Other S a'te Agencies
Several other State agencies play an active role in Alabama's 
recreational
program, even though non-recreational pursuits represent their major 
efforts.
The Forestry Commission provides, under contract to the 
State Parks
Division, a State forest area 
containing a lake, picnic area, 
swimming area,
trails, and other minor recreational facilities, for use as a park. Another such
tract is used in a wildlife management area program by the Game and Fish
Division, and other State forests get limited trail and other recreational 
uses.
The Alabama Highway Department provides access roads to 
parks and
within State Parks and helps assure that interstate highways are planned 
so as
to include entrance-exit points for current and planned 
parks. It develops
parkway systems for the State, furnishes roadside picnic 
tables, and works
with Federal programs to provide rest areas on interstate and other 
highways.
Some 61 interstate safety rest areas with developed picnic facilities 
and seven
welcome stations are planned for Alabama's interstate system, a few of which
are already completed.
The State Department of Education provides some recreational resources
on the "16th sections" of land it owns. Most institutions of higher education
permit public use of recreational facilities when not being used 
in student
programs.
The State lealth Department owns several parcels of land that are being
used as recreational sites by other agencies. Grounds 
of many hospitals have
recreational facilities for patient use.
The Bureau of Publicity and Information produces educational 
and
promotional materials to inform the public about recreational facilities 
and
services available to residents and tourists. Interstate 
rest areas and welcome
centers are often used for distributing such materials to incoming 
visitors.
Other State agencies contributing to outdoor recreation, some of which
operate sites, include the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Commission, Fort
Morgan Commission, Mound State Monument, Cahaba Commission,
LaGrange Historical Commission, lHistoric Chattahoochee Commission,
Gorgas Memorial Board, Richmond Pearson Hobson Memorial Board,
Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, Tannehill Foundry and Furnace
Commission (Tannehill Historic State Park), and the Alabama State Fair
Commission.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Types of recreational facilities provided by local governments in Alabama
vary widely, just as do the areas which the governments serve. Some towns or
counties furnish only a few crude resources, while others have responded to
Recreational facilities at educational institutions across the State, like these
tennis courts at Auburn University, are available for public enjoyment when
not being used in student programs.
strong interest in recreation by establishing a well-financed recreational
program that meets needs of the 
people with well-developed parks,
playgrounds, playfields, and school recreational areas. Local governments in
Alabama include those in 417 incorporated cities, towns, and small
communities and 67 counties. Also, there are 128 public county an(d city
school boards which own property that can be, and often is, used for public
recreation.
County Governments
Field sport areas were the one major type of recreational facility found to
be provided by Alabama's 67 county governments. This type site accounted
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sport areas, the cities had 66 water sport areas, 56 picnic areas, 33 fishing
waters, 21 natural and scenic areas, 11 golfing facilities, 9 historic and
archaeological sites, I campground, and 1 rodeo, zoo, amusemCent park, or
outdoor theater-movie.
THE PNIVATE SECTOR
Importance of the private sector to Alabama's total recreational industry is
well illustrated by supply data that credit the sector with furnishing 2,005
individual sites. This amounts to about 44 percent of the State's total. As far
as surface area is concerned, the private sector accounts for 60 percent of
total acres (2,453,166 out of a total of 4,079,138 acres). Land classification
AoIt r OI: amIt ini VR ' on ar Oppolniia~ 01 hOA1
and Mdividual, pick-up qames
orgatizecd league spooris
for 850 of the total 907 sites reported. Water sports areas were second with
32. Other types inventoried were 5 campgrounds, 6 fishing water sites, 5
picnic areas, 3 historic and archaeological sites, 3 in the 
rodeo, zoo,
amusement park, outdoor theater-movie classification, 1 golfing facility, 1
natural and scenic area, and 1 trail facility. Total land area in the 907 sites
was 11,217 acres. High density land accounted for almost half of the acreage
(5,725 acres), with there being only 468 acres of water-oriented land.
City Governments
The 417 incorporated places in Alabama reported 1,204 total recreational
sites. Again, field sport areas were the runaway leader, accounting for 1,006
of the total. Acreage available for recreation was much higher than the
county totals 47,747 acres. Water-oriented land accounted 
for 30,072 acres,
making this the leading type. High density and general outdoor lands were
about equal, both with 7,000+ acres. In addition to the large number of field
'The natural beauty of the canyon ana and unique rock formations are prime
attractions at Hurricane Creek Park, near Culman, but recreational enjoy-
ment is enhanced by a nature trail, swinging bridge, cable car ride, and other
activities.
showed major differences between public and private areas, with 56 percent
of high density land, 61 percent of general outdoor (environmental) land, and
nearly 63 percent of the natural environment land operated by the private
sector.
Inventory data reveal that the private sector operates more than half of all
campsites, farm fish ponds, fish camps or other fish-water 
type enterprises,
golf courses, hunting areas, racing facilities, recreational resorts, horse riding
areas or rodeo sites, areas for shooting stocked game, areas for walking and
riding trails, and water-oriented sport sites and boat marinas.
The private recreational sector is divided into two distinct groups: (1) The
commercial enterprise group, which includes individual and 
family businesses,
partnerships, and corporations operated to make a profit. Types of businesses
are farm fish ponds open to the public for fee fishing, 
riding stables,
amusement parks, and lakes developed by utility companies. This group is
designated as "private, profit." (2) Private or semi-private organizations, not
operating to make a profit. These include camps operated by Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, 4-11 clubs, or church or service clubs; country clubs;
clubs and other facilities for employees of operating industries; and hunting
and fishing clubs. This group is referred to as "private, nonprofit."
Alabama Power Company's Lake Martin provides enjoyment for thousands of
recreationists who enjoy water skiing, sailing, boating, swimming, fishing, and
other water-related activities.
PrivaCie, Profit Sector
Nearly one-fourth (24.5 percent) of all recreational sites inventoried were
found to be supplied by the private, profit sector, but these utilized only 9
percent of total surface acreage in recreational sites. Of the 1,124 sites in this
sector, classified by one major recreational enterprise, fishing water sites
accounted for 691, over half of the total. Numbers of other types of sites
were: campgrounds, 55; field sport areas, 25; golfing facilities, 68; historic
and archaeological sites, 12; hunting areas, 20; natural and scenic areas, 10;
picnic areas, 6; race tracks-motor courses, 37; recreational resorts, 
13; rodeos,
zoos, amusement parks, and outdoor theaters or movies, 80; shooting
preserves, 7; trails, 22; vacation farm or dude ranches, 1; and water sport
areas, 77.
The largest single private supplier of water-oriented outdoor recreational
resources in the State is Alabama Power Company. Reservoirs created by its
11 hydroelectric projects on the Warrior, Coosa, and Tallapoosa rivers provide
water-oriented recreation to a large percentage of Alabama's population and
many out-of-state visitors. This company's contributions to the State's RIVER
recreation is emphasized by the large proportion of water-oriented sites PUA TORA
among the available private, profit facilities, but this fails to adequately
pinpoint its importance. WE S
Alabama Power Company operates a 60-acre park near I. Neely Henry 
LEW T
Dam on the Coosa River, and land areas owned by the Company in LAKE H
connection with its reservoirs are used as sites for vacation homes, cabins,
trailers, campgrounds, fishing lodges, marinas, and wildlife management areas.
Wind Creek State Park is an example of publicly-owned recreational facilities LKE
located on Alabama Power Company impoundments. Further, private home
and recreational complex developments on Logan Martin Lake and Martin A
Lake greatly contribute to recreational fulfillment by Alabamians who live in
areas near the lakes. Alabama Power Company lake locations are designated MARTIn LAKE
on the map at right, with summer pool water acreages and miles of JORoAN ATES LAKE
shoreline associated with them listed below the map. HURLOW
LAKE
Private, Nonprofit Sector
Nonprofit agencies making up this sector seem to specialize in supplying
types of recreational resources that are not available through other sources.
For example, this sector supplied nearly 90 percent of all group camping
facilities, 80 percent of the natural features land, more than half of all golf
courses, hunting land, horse show and rodeo sites, rental horses, and pond
swimming water, and lesser percentages of many other sites. Contributions of
hunting clubs, country clubs, youth organizations, and other agencies
organized to serve specific groups are obvious.
On the basis of land acreage for recreational use, the private, nonprofit
sector accounts for about 53 percent of the State's total. The 881 *Undr constr. ucion
recreational sites on this acreage 
are classified by one major type of 
enterprise 
**Proposed
as follows: campgrounds, 58; field sport areas, 104; fishing waters, 113;
golfing facilities, 106; historic and archaeological sites, 13; hunting 
areas, 357; Water 
surface Miles of
natural and scenic areas, 
4; picnic areas, 23; race tracks-motor 
courses, 3; 
Lake area, acres 
shoreline
recreational resorts, 4; rodeos, zoos, 
amusement parks, and outdoor theaters 
Lewis Smith Lake. ........ . 21,200 
500
or movies, 47; shooting preserves, 8; trails, 4; and water 
sport areas, 37. Weiss Lake (not all 
in Ala.) .. .. 30,200 447
II. Neely Henry Lake ........ 11,235 339
Logan Martin Lake ......... 15,260 275
Lay Lake. .............. 12,000 289
Mitchell Lake ............ 5,850 147
SPECIAL PROGRAM SUPPLY CONTRIBUTIONS Jordan Lake (includes Bouldin). 
. 6,800 118
Martin Lake ............ . 39,000 700
Alabama's resources that are suitable for use in special programs, such as Yates Lake .............. 1,980 40
wild and scenic rivers, natural areas, environmental education, and trails, Thurlow Lake ........... . 585 6
represent a valuable part of the overall supply of resources necessary for a TOTAL. ............ 
144,110 2,861
complete recreational program. However, these are types of resources that
cannot be inventoried in specific units of measure. An unspoiled river or
other area may be viewed and enjoyed by people at many locations and under
various ownerships, but none of the sites might be identified as a recreational
area or facility. Nevertheless, such valuable resources must be considered in
an overall look at what Alabama has to offer in the way of recreational
supply. A general description of resources that are appropriate for these
special programs should serve as a general type of inventory that can be useful
to recreational planners or to persons involved in multi-level governmental
coordinating and planning for special program implementation.
Natural and Scenic Areas
Although areas exhibiting unspoiled examples of the natural world are
steadily disappearing under population pressures, Alabama still has a number
of sites that fit this description. The National Register of Natural Landmarks
currently lists six Alabama sites: Shelta Cave in Huntsville, Cathedral Caverns
near Grant, Beaverdam Creek Swamp in the Wheeler National Wildlife
Refuge, Dismal Gardens in Franklin County, Newsome Sinks Karst Area in
Morgan County, and the Mobile Delta and related river bottom region. Each
is a different type of natural treasure to be maintained, and together the six
represent tremendous potential for one phase of the State's recreational
program. Also of great importance is the 12,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness in the
Bankhead National Forest.
Without reducing the importance of the seven sites listed above, however,
it can be said with certainty that Alabama has many other natural and scenic
areas that must be considered when-evaluating the available resources for
recreation. This untapped potential was illustrated by a recent county-by-
county study made to locate and identify natural and scenic resources that
might be suitable for either a local, State, regional, or national site.
A total of 356 sites was identified as potential for some special program,
with almost every county having at least one on the list. Classification of the
sites was as follows:
Swamp areas-9
Canyons, gorges, gullies- 14
Springs and natural wells-21
Waterfalls-21
Rivers, creeks, canals-24
Mountain areas with natural sites and scenic views-21
Vista points-25
Lakes, dams, and surrounding environment-37
Bay and beach areas-l10
Wildlife areas- 10
U.S. Forests and other large State or private forest land-16
State Parks and other large land areas with recreational facilities-14
Unique areas, especially those with virgin timber-5
Unique rock formations-8
[251
Small private areas with natural and/or scenic qualities-3
Small parks with recreational developments-14
Mine developments and potential areas-12
Mill sites- 14
Trout farms-6
Scenic drives-16
Trails with gardens, hatcheries, and sanctuaries-9
Covered and natural bridges-13
Caves-24
Miscellaneous- 10
Wild and Scenic Rivers
Although there has been widespread 
impoundment of Alabama 
rivers,
many miles of free-flowing streams remain that represent a valuable resource
for recreational uses. Thirteen watercourses were studied during 1971 to
determine their potential for wild and scenic rivers classification. Two of
these-the Cahaba in the sections not affected by impoundments and the
West Fork Sipsey (also known as Sipsey Fork)-were included for study as
potential National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the bill signed by President Ford
in January 1975. The other 11 in the Alabama study, while not presently
designated for national study, are nevertheless valuable for recreation by
residents and out-of-state visitors, as is evident from the descriptions that
follow.
Cahaba River
Inclusion of the Cahaba River among those being considered for the
national program justifies the general belief that this is one of the outstanding
rivers of the Southeast. Characteristics of the Cahaba vary as it flows through
coal bearing land, through a section of primarily flat rocks and coarse rocky
shoals, through limestone and dolomitic formations, and finally through the
Tuscaloosa, Eutaw, and Selma chalk formations of the Lower Coastal Plains.
Recreationists who "float the Cahaba" are treated to a changing array of
plants, including some unique ones, and breathtaking sheer rock bluffs or
walls and other interesting geologic formations. The Cahaba's fish population
is both unique and inclusive. It has all but 25 of the State's 148 known
species, but also rare species such as the Cahaba shiner, stargazing shiner,
goldline darter, blue sucker, and river redhorse.
West Fork Sipsey (Sipsey Fork)
One of three tributaries making up the Warrior River, the West Fork Sipsey
is the headwaters segment of the stream located in the Bankhead National
Forest. It is an outstanding mountain stream, with waterfalls and deep gorges.
This area has geological features, plants, and birds that are reportedly rare in
the United States. Portions of this stream are located in the 12,000-acre
Sipsey Wilderness.
Little River
A major component of the recreational area that centers around DeSoto
State Park and Little River Canyon, Little River has remained an unpolluted
and natural stream. The portion south of State Highway 35 bridge to the
mouth of the Canyon has been designated as a State Wild and Scenic River.
All of this stream is a valuable component of the surrounding area that has
much historic and natural value for various recreational uses.
Hatchet Creek
A tributary of the Coosa River, Hatchet Creek has its headwaters within
the Talladega National Forest. The upper half of this free-flowing stream has
the typical ruggedness of a Piedmont Plateau stream, but the lower half
contains calmer water. Fishing and floating are popular recreational pursuits
enjoyed on this scenic stream. (A bill before Congress, if passed, would study
this stream for inclusion in the national program.)
Escatawpa River
Plants, fish, and wildlife abound in and along the Escatawpa River, a
stream that flows entirely in the Coastal Plains (in Mobile and Washington
counties). The stream is famous for its many white sandbars and shallow
banks in Mobile County, and for the cypress trees that line its banks through
much of its course. (A bill before Congress, if passed, would also study this
stream for inclusion in the national program.)
Locust Fork
The Locust Fork of the Warrior River is a scenic river with important
Indian and Civil War history. It is spanned by one of Alabama's 17 remaining
covered bridges (Swann Covered Bridge). Floaters get a thrilling ride on this
stream during months of adequate water. Many people take advantage of the
stream in its 61-mile flow through Blount County, but it offers even greater
potential for recreational use.
Shoal Creek
Located largely within the Talladega Division of the Talladega National
Forest, Shoal Creek is made up of a series of slack pools and shoals. Its main
feature is its rugged steepness that limits access. The stream is of high quality,
with no industries in the immediate area to contaminate its waters. Major
sport fish are spotted bass and rock bass, and wild game abounds in the area.
Recent small watershed developments have altered the flow of this stream.
Cypress Creek
Cypress Creek, in Lauderdale County, has its headwaters in Tennessee. It
has several species of fish, including the slackwater darter that is known only
in a few streams. The hellbender, a giant salamander found only in the
Tennessee Valley area, also lives in the watershed of Cypress Creek. The
[261
Natchez Trace Parkway parallels the Creek for one mile. Several historic sites
are located along this stream. Small watershed developments have 
been
recommended for this stream by SCS.
Sipsey River
The Sipsey River is a free-flowing stream in northwest Alabama that
empties into the Tombigbee River. The first 25 miles of the 92-mile-long
river-beginning in Franklin, Marion, and Winston counties-is 
in a
mountainous area with sandstone and slate bluffs 15-80 feet high in places.
Upstream from its junction with the Tombigbee, the Sipsey 
flows through a
gorge 20 to 100 feet deep, with bluffs of blue limestone 
rock providing a
unique appearance. It is not a navigable river, although barge traffic 
was
attempted before the turn of the century.
Tallapoosa River
Although the Tallapoosa River has three major impoundments in its lower
segment, its middle segment is presently a free-flowing stream. Horseshoe
Bend National Military Park is near the lower end of the free-flowing
segment. The section of the River described above is within 50 miles of the
population centers of Anniston, Auburn, and Opelika, and less than 100 miles
from Montgomery, Phenix City, Birmingham, and Gadsden. Harris Lake is
presently under construction on this stream.
Conecuh River
Beginning as a small stream near Union Springs, the Conecuh River flows
southwest through Escambia County and into Florida. It is not a free-flowing
stream throughout its length, having two impoundments for power
production in Covington County. Most recreational use of the Conecuh River
occurs in the two impoundments.
Perdido River
Headwaters of the Perdido River are a series of small streams east of Bay
Minette. It flows southeast and then south and southwest to its junction with
the Styx River before emptying into Perdido Bay near the Alabama-Florida
line. It flows through a sparsely settled area of low lying wetlands, mostly
woodland and marsh. Water quality is classified as fish and wildlife.
Styx River
An intrastate stream, the Styx River is a 37-mile-long, coastal river that
originates south of Bay Minette and, after joining with the Perdido, empties
into Perdido Bay. Many species of fish and wildlife are found in this area,
including the rare Cockaded Woodpecker, which survives by feeding on
insects that live in the wood of old pine trees infected by red heart disease.
Many recreationists travel from Perdido Bay up the Perdido River and into
the Styx, mainly for fishing and sightseeing.
Thio firit pavt of the Rartrarn Trail openod in Alabarfma a jmreiit ii Ic.
fwTkoiqnp IX ird Forsai-is alriacy ettuinj Iavy usn.
His'olic and Scenic Troils
Several important historic trails in Alabama were identified in a 1972
study, and these could be the basis for a recreational program that would
provide a link with the past for history-minded Alabamians 
and out.-ofstate
visitois. Hiking and nature study could be important iuses for trails such as the
Natchez Trace, Bartram, DeSoto, and numerous Indian trails. Tie ins with
such irails as the Southern Appalachian and C(mberland could complement
these potential trails.
Natchez Trace Trail. The main route from Nashville to Natchez until after
the Civil War, the Natchez Trace Trail was officially named in the National
Trails Acts for potential entry into the national program. The proposed foot
trail would be operated in conjunction with the Natchez 
Trace Parkway,
which is now under development for auto travel, and would extend some 35
miles across Colbert and Lauderdale counties.
The Bartram 'Trail. The Bartram Trail, the route followed by naturalist
William Bartram in the late 1700's as ihe studied flora and fauna of the
Southeast, is of much historic and botanical interest to Alabamians. Already a
portion of the trail has been officially designated a National Recreational
Trail and opened in the Tuskegee National Forest, and efforts continue to
identify the route all the way from the Georgia line in Russell County to the
Mobile Delta. The route followed by Bartram is near Montgomery and other
Alabama cities, and portions of the 215-mile route follow Interstate
Highways 1-85 and 1-65 for ease of access by users. A 20 mile Bartram Canoe
Trail has been established in the Mobile Delta.
DeSoto Trail. The route followed by l)eSoto and his band of explorers
provides a valuable resource for developing. This trail begins in Jackson
County, on the Tennessee River, where DeSoto entered the State, and travels
southwest all the way to Choctaw Bluff in southern Clarke County, and then
north and northwest to Lamar County where the explorers crossed into what
is now Mississippi. A trail along this general route could provide access to
many recreational areas, such as TVA lakes, Buck's Pocket and Lake
Guntersville State Parks, Coosa River lakes, Fort Toulouse, Alabama River
lakes, Camden State Park, Tombigbee River lakes, and local attractions in
many regions.
Trail Extensions. Extension of the Southern Appalachian Trail, a National
Scenic Trail extending from Maine to Georgia, could be extended into
Alabama to cover the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to near
Sylacauga. Another possible trail extension would be to establish an Alabama
portion of the Cumberland Trail from Cumberland Gap in east Tennessee.
This was an Indian trail that reportedly extended into Alabama.
Environmental Ed u ca tion
Public awareness programs concerned with educating people about their
environment have approached the problem in many ways, with several
projects establishing sites where examples about nature may be viewed.
Among these are the following:
The Bear Creek Watershed Environmental Education Project has an
outdoor area on Bear Creek for use in its teaching program.
The Mobile County Outdoor Education Center has an outdoor classroom
consisting of 640 acres of land with a 19-acre lake.
Bald Rock Project, of Southern Union State Junior College, has an 80-acre
site in use as an outdoor classroom. It is a registered National Environmental
Education Landmark.
The described programs and others being operated in the State are
maintaining nature areas that could be drawing cards for recreational groups
interested in nature.
INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT RESOURCES PINPOINTED
Recreational planning must be done on the basis of providing facilities near
to where people live. Therefore, planning units smaller than an entire state are
necessary to provide meaningful data. For purposes of this study, the 12
official Alabama planning and development districts were used as the
planning units for Alabama's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (see map below). These multi-county districts are also used for many
other planning efforts.
Participation data were developed from a household study within each of
the planning districts, with each district serving as a universe. Likewise, all
available recreational resources were inventoried by counties within each
district. From these findings, demand data were then developed for each
district, so that demand and supply could be compared to illustrate what
needs to be done in the years ahead. The formula used was one of demand
minus supply equals needs.
The pages that follow present this district-by-district data in concise form,
using (1) a brief word description of the district and its natural resources,
present and projected population, and a summary of land and facilities
available for recreation; (2) a map showing major physical features, highways,
and selected recreational and historic sites; and (3) a table showing district
facility and land needs for recreation for 1973-74, 1980, and 2000.
The table showing land and facility needs requires some explanation for
proper interpretation. The 1973-74 column shows land and facility resources
that should be added to meet demand at that time. The 1980 and 2000
columns show what will be needed to meet projected demand for those years,
again on the basis of specific activities. A plus (+) sign preceding the number
means that the district has a surplus and does not presently need any of this
specific resource for the year indicated. This type situation may exist for
1973-74, while increasing demands may indicate a specific need by 1980 and
2000. Such a case is illustrated by data on pool swimming resources in
District 1. A surplus for 1973-74 is indicated by the + sign preceding the
number of square feet of pool space needed, but 1980 and 2000 will need
significant additions (number not preceded by +). Since the study year
(1973-74) is in the past, priority should be placed on acquiring land and
developing resources shown as needed by 1980.
In some cases a specific resource may be shown as not having a need even
in 1980 (number preceded by +). Such a situation needs careful evaluation,
since the multi-county data may be misleading. One part of a district might
have more resources than needed for a specific activity, but a distant area in
the same district might have a shortage of the same resource. Unfortunately,
the surplus in one part of the district would be of no value in the area of
shortage. For example, a districtwide surplus may be shown for playgrounds.
Investigation might show some urban areas of the district have provided open
space playgrounds to not only serve present needs but for future growth,
while some smaller towns in the district need more playgrounds. It would not
be practical to transport children daily to the urban area with the surplus, so
the small town might find it desirable to develop some acreage of
playgrounds. A different situation might exist if the surplus were in picnic
tables. The small town probably would not add picnic tables since families
going on a picnic would likely be driving to a site, so a few extra miles would
make little difference.
Since the study regarding needs was a districtwide analysis, not all
problems within a district could be properly evaluated. Local people and
agencies within a district can best solve problems of less than districtwide
magnitude. However, any 1980 resource showing a plus should be carefully
evaluated to determine if the districtwide data actually represent all parts of
the district. This within-district evaluation can assure that scarce financial
resources are used to supply high priority facilities with the greatest needs.
District 1
District 1 is a five-county region located in extreme northwestern Alabama.
It has a surface area of 2,156,800 acres, of which 96.1 percent is land.
Population in 1970 was 182,118 people-55 percent rural and 45 percent
urban. Much of the urban population is concentrated in the Quad Cities of
Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals. The district's population
is projected to reach 199,000 by 1980 and 235,400 by 2000.
In 1974 District I had 302 public recreational sites containing 265,702
acres, classified as follows: high density, 1,868 acres; general outdoor, 4,299
acres; natural environment, 197,676 acres; natural features, 55,323 acres;
primitive, 34 acres; historic and cultural, 2,809 acres; and water oriented,
3,693 acres. Major water areas include all or portions of Pickwick, Wilson,
Wheeler, and Smith lakes. Major recreational resources are identified on the
map.
District 1 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource Needs, by yearl
Activity or resource unit 1973-74 1980 2000
Playgrounds acres +327 +323 18
Archery positions +12 +10 57
Tennis courts +36 15 104
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds +15 2 14
Softball diamonds +6 1 17
Basketball courts +53 +48 3
Volleyball courts 6 8 14
Track and field fields +9 +8 +4
Picnicking tables 432 446 685
Roads for sightseeing miles +54 +50 +33
Trails for pleasure walking miles 2 4 12
Pool swimming square feet +19,359 16,141 64,041
Pond or lake swimming acres 20 25 35
Vacation camping campsites 134 300 816
Group camping beds +522 +508 +424
Hunting land acres 57,668 157,688 234,168
Fishing waters acres +55,053 +50,270 +35,470
Trails for bicycle riding miles 23 146 283
Trails for horseback riding miles 81 95 140
Natural and scenic viewing sites +5 +2 2
Golf, 18 hole courses -1 10
Golf, 9-hole courses -1 9
Firearm shooting ranges +43 +42 +38
Transient camping campsites +109 42 369
Boat launching ramps +13 +3 28
Parking, boat access areas spaces 1,440 1,940 3,490
Land, local governments acres 1,488 1,618 2,346
Land, State Parks acres 488 585 1,131
Land, other agencies acres 8 365 2,367
1A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
NATCHEZ TRACE
J PARK(WAY
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District I
1. Waterloo City Park
2. Colbert County Park
3. Colbert F erry Park
4. Lauderdale Park
5. Helen Keller's Birthplace
6. McFarland Park
7. Point Park
8. Whueeler Dami
9. Joe Wheeler State Park
10. Dismal Wonder Gardens
11. Lamarion Wildlife Management
Area
12. Natural Bridge
13. Colbert County Courthouse Square,
Tuscumbia
14. Cedar Creek Furnace Ruins
15. Overton Farm
16. Florence Indian Mound and Museum
17. W.C. Handy House, Florence
18. Karsner-Kennedy House, Florence
19. Larimcsre House, Mars IHill College
20. Pope's Tavern, Florence
21. Wesleyan and Rogers Hall, University
of North Alabama
22. Big Springs Campground
23. Houston Log Jail
24. Sipsey Wilderness
25. Key Underwood Memorial Coondog
Cemetery
District 2
District 2 is a seven-county region located in west-central Alabama. It has a
surface area of 3,464,320 acres, of which 98.7 percent is land. Population in
1970 was 207,292-52 percent rural and 48 percent urban. Tuscaloosa, the
district's one large city, contains most of the urban population. The district's
population is projected to reach 225,200 by 1980 and 264,700 by 2000.
In 1974 District 2 had 385 public recreational sites containing 501,990
acres, classified as follows: high density, 2,143 acres; general outdoor, 8,888
acres; natural environment, 471,544 acres; natural features, 625 acres;
primitive, 4,500 acres; historic and cultural, 444 acres; and water oriented,
13,846 acres. There are several major water impoundments along the
Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers. The Oakmulgee Division of the
Talladega National Forest is one of the important recreational resources of
the district. Major recreational resources are identified on the map.
District 2 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity.
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Activity or resource
Playgrounds
Archery
Tennis
Baseball (90' & 75' bases)
Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Track and field
Picnicking
Roads for sightseeing
Trails for pleasure walking
Pool swimming
Pond or lake swimming
Vacation camping
Group camping
Hunting land
Fishing waters
Trails for bicycle riding
Trails for horseback riding
Natural and scenic viewing
Golf, 18-hole
Golf, 9-hole
Firearm shooting
Transient camping
Boat launching
Parking, boat access areas
Land, local governments
Land, State Parks
Land, other agencies
Resource
unit
acres
positions
courts
diamonds
diamonds
courts
courts
fields
tables
miles
miles
square feet
acres
campsites
beds
acres
acres
miles
miles
sites
courses
courses
ranges
campsites
ramps
spaces
acres
acres
acres
Needs, by year
1
1973-74 1980
164
+43
154
42
205
276
83
+3
+96
28
50
64,030
32
+45
655
1,334,094
7,745
178
234
+2
10
+213
9
2,413
3,066
1,611
+1,955
173
+41
181
76
218
311
94
+2
+86
34
53
95,730
45
57
766
1,630,094
14,195
206
256
0
2
0
12
+133
22
3,063
3,256
1,753
+1,433
2000
378
37
223
102
232
326
109
1
157
56
78
171,930
60
364
933
1,951,094
41,295
316
324
2
9
9
19
65
70
5,463
4,046
2,345
739
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 2
1. Lamar County Lake
2. Fayette County Lake
3. Bankhead Lock and Dam
4. Lake Lurleen State Park
5. University of Alabama
6. Holt Lock and Dam
7. Tannehill State Park
8. Oakmulgee Wildlife Management
Area
9. Warrior Lock and Dam
10. Brierfield I urnance
11. Fayette County Courthouse
12. City of Futaw historic homes
(ride-by tour)
13. Coleman-Banks Home, Eutaw
14. Rosemount, near Forkland
15. Magnolia Grove, Greensboro
16. St. Andrews Church on the Prairie,
Gallion
17. Newbern Community
18. Mound State Park
19. Bankhead Family Birthplace, Sulligent
20. Ogdcn House, Sulligent
21. Carrollton Historic Square
22. Gordo Jail
23. Friedman House, Tuscaloosa
24. Gorgas-Manley Historic District,
University of Alabama
25. Jemison (Friedman Library),
Tluscaloosa
26. Museum of Natural History,
University of Alabama
27. The Tavern and Strickland Home,
Capitol Park, Tuscaloosa
28. North River Historic District,
near Northport
I A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
I
District 3
District 3 is a six-county region located in north-central Alabama. It has a
surface area of 3,029,120 acres, of which 98.3 percent is land. Population in
1970 was 819,263 74 percent urban and 26 percent rural. Much of the
urban population is concentrated in Birmingham and surrounding cities. The
district's population is projected to reach 894,800 by 1980 and 1,063,000 by
2000.
In 1974 District 3 had 637 public recreational sites containing 281,792
acres, classified as follows: high density, 6,660 acres; general outdoor, 3,691
acres; natural environment, 251,691 acres; natural features, 387 acres.
primitive, 1,796 acres; historic and cultural, 110 acres; and water oriented,
17,457 acres. Major water areas include all or portions of Bankhead, Neel,
Henry, Logan Martin, Lay, Smith, and Mitchell lakes. A portion of the
Talladega National Forest is located in one corner of this district. Mair
recreational resources are identified on the map.
District 3 Outdoor Recreational Land and I aciiit) Needs, by Activity.
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource Needs, by year
1
Activity or resource unit 1973-74 1980 2000
Playgrounds acres 1,641 1,732 
3,125
Archery positions 232 256 342
Tennis courts 21 207 497
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds 68 113 205
Softball diamonds +12 7 58
Basketball courts +173 +62 154
Volleyball courts 20 38 79
Track and field fields 9 16 36
Picnicking tables 1,226 1,538 2,383
Roads for sightseeing miles 121 142 215
Trails for pleasure walking miles 76 97 191
Pool swimming square feet 304,855 429,055 677,455
Pond or lake swimming acres 91 115 169
Vacation camping campsites 180 536 896
Group camping beds +1,623 +1,387 +803
Hunting land acres 433,213 590,713 855,213
Fishing waters acres 1,406 11,006 48,789
Trails for bicycle riding miles 359 469 1,277
Trails for horseback riding miles 129 198 326
Natural and scenic viewing sites 13 22 
35
Golf, 18-hole courses - 3 35
Golf, 9-hole courses - 1 33
Firearm shooting ranges 50 58 79
Transient camping campsites 4 211 835
Boat launching ramps 15 40 130
Parking, boat access areas spaces 4,196 5,446 9,946
Land, local governments acres 3,012 4,090 7,454
Land, State Parks acres 2,294 3,102 5,625
Land, other agencies acres 35,686 38,650 47,901
1 A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
1. Walker County Lake
2. Rickwood Caverns State Park
3. Tidwell lHollow
4. Inland Lake
5. Horse Pens 40
6. Neely Henry Park
7. Fair Park and Kiddieland
8. Legion I ield
9. Vulcan Park
10. Birmingham City Zoo
11. Japanese Gardens
12. Lake Purdy
13. Oak Mountain State Park
14. Confederate Memorial Cemetery
15. Blount County covered bridges
(Horton Mill, Nectar, 
Swan,
Easley)
16. Palisades Park, near Oneonta
17. Arlington, Birmingham
18. A.M. Brown lHouse, Birmingham
19. Morris Avenue Historic District,
Birmingham
20. Red Mountain Museum, Birmingham
21. Bessemer Depot and historic homes
22. McAdory Home, Bessemer
23. Sadler House, Bessemer
24. Five Mile Creek Bridge, near McCalla
25. Temple of Sybil, Vestavia
26. People's Drug Store and Hotel, Calera
27. King Mansion and Reynolds Hall,
Montevallo University
28. Shelby County Courthouse
29. Montevallo Depot
30. Fort Strother
31. Looney Log House
32. Springville Village
33. St. Clair County Courthouse
34. St. Clair Springs Village
35. Bankhead Home, Jasper
36. Walker County Gazebo and Train
37. Gilchrist Home
BANKHEAU 
-
OGAN
LAKE MARTIN
22 LAKE
COOSA RIVER
RIVER 29
LAY 
LAKE
LLA E G 
MITCHELL LAKE
OREST ional and istoric Sites in District 3
Selected Recreational and listoric Sites in District 3
District 4
District 4 is a 10-county region located in eastern Alabama. It has a surface
area of 4,037,760 acres, of which 97.2 percent is land. Population in 1970
was 400,943-52 percent urban and 48 percent rural. Much of the urban
population is in Anniston, Alexander City, Gadsden, 
Sylacauga, and
Talladega. The district's population is projected to reach 436,100 by 1980
and 515,200 by 2000.
In 1974 District 4 had 670 public recreational sites containing 526,530
acres, classified as follows: high density, 7,262 acres; general outdoor, 7,279
acres; natural environment, 499,587 acres; natural features, 4,611 acres;
historic and cultural, 310 acres; and water oriented, 7,481 acres. Major water
areas include all or portions of Neely tHenry, Logan Martin, Lay, Mitchell,
Martin, Weiss, and West Point lakes. All of the Talladega Division of the
Talladega National Forest is in this district. Major recreational sites and
resources are identified on the map.
District 4 Outdoor Recreational 
Land and I acilitv Needs, 
by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource Needs, by year'
Activity or resource 
unit 1973-74 1980 
2000
Playgrounds acres 281 
375 1,084
Archery positions +27 
+18 102
Tennis courts 
+9 48 242
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds +45 
+21 5
Softball diamonds +59 
+52 +34
Basketball courts 
+90 +61 28
Volleyball 
courts +50 
+39 +6
Track and Field fields 
1 4 11
Picnicking tables 
227 150 925
Roads for sightseeing miles 
67 84 135
Trails for pleasure walking miles 
64 70 90
Pool swimming square feet +15,156 
53,744 174,244
Pond or lake swimming acres 
68 89 145
Vacation camping campsites 
+32 225 1,155
Group camping beds 
+29 96 596
Hunting land acres 
130,762 530,262 812,762
Fishing waters acres +26,699 
+13,832 35,484
Trails for bicycle riding miles 332 
384 618
Trails for horseback riding miles 
154 175 296
Natural and scenic viewing sites 
+3 5 17
Golf, 18-hole courses 
- 1 25
Golf, 9-hole courses 
- 1 12
Firearm shooting ranges 
+7 +4 6
Transient camping campsites 
+190 256 1,581
Boat launching ramps 
50 82 204
Parking, boat access areas spaces 
6,050 7,650 13,750
Land, local governments acres 
4,506 5,162 6,744
Land, State Parks acres 
977 1,469 2,655
Land, other agencies acres +3,256 
+1,452 2,898
i A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds 
requirements.
LAKE 
6 7 
WEST POINT 
LAKE
CHELL 24
AKE 
8 1
LAKE
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites 
in District 4
1. Little River Canyon Mouth Park
2. Noccalula Falls
3. Alabama International Motor
Speedway
4. Cheaha State Park
5. Clay County Lake
6. Horseshoe Bend Hiking Trail
7. Horseshoe Bend National Military
Monument
8. Wind Creek State Park
9. Bansa Park
10. Burnt Village Park
11. Chambers County Lake
12. Tyler Hill District 
Riding
Tour, Anniston
13. Anniston Inn Kitchen
14. St. Michael's and 
All Angels
Episcopal Church, Anniston
15. Dr. Francis' Office and
Apothecary, Jacksonville
16. Village of Ohatchee
17. Aderholt's Grist Mill
1
8
.lHugo Black Home, Ashland
19. Lineville Water Works
20. Cleburne County Courthouse and
Heflin Depot
21. Arbacoochie Store and Gold Mine
22. Shoal Creek Log Church
23. Old Coosa County Jail
24. Oakachoy Covered 
Bridge
25. Alabama City Library, Gadsden
26. Perry House (ride-by), Wedowee
27. Roanoke Depot and Downtown
District
28. City of Dadeville Historic
District
29. Cornwall Furnace
District 5
District 5 is a six-county region located in southern Alabama. It has a
surface area of 2,564,480 acres, of which 99.2 percent is land. Population in
1970 was 109,795-66 percent rural and 34 percent urban. Much of the
urban population is in Greenville, Troy, Tuskegee, and Union Springs. The
district's population is projected to be 111,700 in 1980 and to reach 119,100
by 2000.
In 1974 District 5 had 171 public recreational sites containing 156,249 acres,
classified as follows: high density, 1,133 acres; general outdoor, 1,866 acres;
natural environment, 143,794 acres; natural features, 5,955 acres; historic
and cultural, 1 acre; and water oriented, 3,500 acres. Major water areas
include all or portions of Jones Bluff Lake and the Tallapoosa and Conecuh
rivers. A portion of the Bartram Trail, running through the Tuskegee National
Forest, has received much attention in recent times. This and other selected
recreational sites and resources are identified on the map.
District 5 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource 
Needs, by year
1
Activity or resource unit 1973-74 1980 2000
Playgrounds acres +16 24 92
Archery positions +22 +21 17
Tennis courts +35 +5 48
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds +12 +3 8
Softball diamonds +15 +14 +11
Basketball courts +58 +56 1
Volleyball courts +22 +20 +14
Track and field fields +2 0 1
Picnicking tables 107 123 260
Roads for sightseeing miles +16 +13 +5
Trails for pleasure walking miles +9 +8 1
Pool swimming square feet +31,225 +20,025 3,575
Pond or lake swimming acres 5 8 14
Vacation camping campsites +1 8 59
Group camping beds 208 222 250
Hunting land acres 151,675 328,675 439,675
Fishing waters acres +842 2,191 12,675
Trails for bicycle riding miles 22 86 145
Trails for horseback riding miles 13 17 29
Natural and scenic viewing sites +4 +3 +2
Golf, 18-hole courses - 1 3
Golf, 9-hole courses - 0 3
Firearm shooting ranges 4 4 6
Transient camping campsites +19 6 50
Boat launching ramps 25 31 49
Parking, boat access areas spaces 1,525 1,825 2,725
Land, local governments acres 1,144 1,178 1,326
Land, State Parks acres 1,650 1,676 1,786
Land, other agencies acres 2,522 2,616 3,022
1 A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
BARTRAM TRAIL
(NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL)
TUSKEGEE
NATIONAL
- FOREST
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 5
1. Lowndesboro historic sites
2. Lake Sherling
3. Crenshaw County Lake
4. Pike County Lake
5. Troy State University
6. Sedgefields Plantation
7. Tuskegee Institute
8. Tuskegee City Lake
9. Union Springs Downtown District
10. Highland Home Institute
11. Lowndes County Courthouse
12. Grey Columns, Tuskegee
13. Macon County Courthouse
14. Downtown Tuskegee Historic District
15. Orion Village
16. Pike County Museum
District 6
District 6 is a 10-county region located in southwestern Alabama. It has a
surface area of 6,187,520 acres, of which 98.3 Percent is land. Population in
1970 was 223,862-72 percent rural and 28 percent urban. Much of the
urban population lives in Demopolis, Selma, Marion, Livingston, Jackson, and
Monroeville. The district's population is projected to reach 230, 100 by 1980
and 239,000 by 2000.
In 1974 District 6 had 560 public recreational sites containing 915,969
acres, classified as follows: high density, 1,994 acres; general outdoor, 4,217
acres; natural environment, 900,996 acres; natural features, 39 acres,
primitive, 30 acres; historic and cultural, 71 acres; and water oriented, 8,622
acres. Major water areas include all or portions of Demopolis, Coffeeville,
Dannelly, and Claiborne lakes. Portions of the Talladega National Forest and
Little River State Forest are located in this district. Major recre'ational sites
and resources are identified on the map.
District 6 Outdoor Recreational Land and I acility Needs, by Activit,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Activity or resource
Playgrounds
Archery
Tennis
Baseball (90' & 75' bases)
Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Track and field
Picnicking
Roads for sightseeing
Trails for pleasure walking
Pool swimming
Pond or lake swimming
Vacation camping
Group camping
Hunting land
Fishing waters
Trails for bicycle riding
Trails for horseback riding
Natural and scenic viewing
Golf, 18-hole
Golf, 9-hole
Firearm shooting
Transient camping
Boat launching
Parking, boat access areas
Land, local governments
Land, State Parks
Land, other agencies
Resource
unit
acres
positions
courts
diamonds
diamonds
courts
courts
fields
tables
miles
miles
square feet
acres
campsites
beds
acres
acres
miles
miles
sites
courses
courses
ranges
campsites
ramps
spaces
acres
acres
acres
Needs, by year'
1973-74 1980 2000
+744
9
110
42
239
456
43
15
239
+14
42
12,434
86
104
555
671,696
+3 8,83 7
169
113
+2
85
+28
+20
2,935
2,772
948
4,700
+682
16
122
43
253
375
52
17
267
+8
45
49,934
105
182
S97
971,696
+3 1,687
195
125
+1
1
0
84
89
+6
3,635
2,954
1,085
5,201
+496
56
130
54
267
397
61
21
371
9
51
128,734
116
378
666
1,434,696
2,513
289
157
0
10
7
100
349
60
6,935
3,132
1,218
5,690
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 6
1. Livingston University
2. Chickasaw State Park
3. Paul M. Grist State Park
4. Cahaba Ruins -site of first
State Capitol
5. Dallas County Lake
6. Camden State Park
7. Choctaw National Wildlife
Refuge
8. Bladun Springs State Park
9. Lake J. Lmmett Wood
10. Saint Stephens historic site
11. Monroe County Lake
12. Little River State Park
13. Confederate Salt Works
14. Fort Sinquetield
15. Jay Villa Plantation
16. Evergreen Depot
17. Selmia historic sites
18. Sturdivant Hall
19. John Tyler Morgan House
20. Water Avenue Historic District
21. Gaineswood, Demopolis
22. Bluff Hall and White Bluffs
23. Gloves Mausoleum
24. Demopolis Town Square
25. Robertson Banking Company,
Demopolis
26. Linden Courthouse
27. Jefferson Village
28. Claiborne Historic District
29. Federal Road Tavern
30. Monroe County Courthouse
31. City of Marion and Institute
32. Perry County Courthouse
33. Marion Female Seminary
34. Uniontown Historic District
35. Alamuchec Covered Bridge
36. Fort Tombeebee
37. Sumter County Courthouse
38. Gainesville Antebellum Village
39. New St. Stephens Memorial Lodge
40. City of Camden Historic District
41. White Columns
A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
District 7
District 7 is a seven-county region in extreme southeastern Alabama. It has
a surface area of 3,131,520 acres, of which 98.8 percent is land. Population in
1970 was 236,184 56 percent urban and 44 percent rural. Much of the
urban population is concentrated in Andalusia, 
Dothan, Enterprise, Eufaula,
and Geneva. The district's population is projected to reach 251,900 by 1980
and 296,500 by 2000.
In 1974 District 7 had 342 public recreational sites containing 312,230
acres, classified as follows: high density, 5,347 acres; general outdoor, 5,925
acres; natural environment, 281,763 acres; natural 
features, 1 acre; primitive,
7,679 acres; and water oriented, 11,515 acres. Major water areas include all or
portions of Lake Walter F. George, Lake Andrews, 
Elba Lake, Gantt Lake,
and Point A Lake. Other major resources include State Parks, National
Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, and county fishing lakes. Major
recreational sites and resources are identified on the map.
District 7 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource Needs, by year'
Activity or resource unit 1973-74 
1980 2000
Playgrounds acres +707 +702 +313
Archery positions +1 5 
70
Tennis courts 14 50 130
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds +22 +4 23
Softball diamonds +35 +31 +18
Basketball courts +54 +45 
5
Volleyball courts 8 14 34
Track and field fields 8 11 17
Picnicking tables 379 382 
690
Roads for sightseeing miles 75 83 108
Trails for pleasure walking miles 40 46 
75
Pool swimming square feet +37,850 6,650 
66,650
Pond or lake swimming acres 2 12 33
Vacation camping campsites 88 157 434
Group camping beds +36 47 491
Hunting land acres 270,462 502,462 
755,462
Fishing waters acres +8,881 
+4,781 6,203
Trails for bicycle riding miles 414 
485 475
Trails for horseback riding miles +6 
+1 32
Natural and scenic viewing sites 
0 3 7
Golf, 18-hole courses 1 
11
Golf, 9-hole courses 1 7
Firearm shooting ranges +4 
+3 0
Transient camping campsites +60 
178 823
Boat launching ramps 4 
14 35
Parking, boat access areas spaces 1,334 1,834 2,884
Land, local governments acres 3,161 
3,373 4,265
Land, State Parks acres +384 +226 444
Land, other agencies acres 4,309 4,892 7,345
1 A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 7
1. Blue Pond
2. Florala State Park
3. Coffee County Lake
4. Geneva County Lake
5. Fort Rucker Army Aviation Museum
6. Dale County Lake
7. Blue Springs State Park
8. Barbour County Lake
9. Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
10. Lakepoint Resort State Park
11. Eufaula historic sites
12. White Oak Creek Park
13. Chattahoochee State Park
14. Barbour County High School, Clio
15. Clayton historic homes
16. Fendall Hall, Eufaula
17. Shorter Mansion, Eufaula
18. Boll Weevil Monument, Enterprise
19. Enterprise Railroad Depot
20. Martin's Drug Store, t-nterprise
21. Coffee County Courthouse, Elba
22. Channell (Alex Hlart) House, 
Opp
23. Covington County Courthouse
24. Clay Bank Log Church, near Ozark
25. Baptist Collegiate Institute, Newton
26. River Junction Park
27. Fink's Grist Mill
28. Kennedy House, Abbeville
29. Murphy Grist Mill
30. Dothan Opera House
31. Wellborn House Art Museum
32. West-Mize Historic Museum
District 8
District 8 is a three-county region in extreme southwestern Alabama. It has
a surface area of 2,501,760 acres, of which 78.3 percent is land. Population in
1970 was 411,596-71 percent urban and 29 percent rural. Much of the
urban population is concentrated in Mobile, Prichard, Bay Minette, and
Atmore. The district's population is projected to reach 473,000 by 1980 and
554,700 by 2000.
In 1974 District 8 had 490 public recreational sites containing 748,696
acres, classified as follows: high density, 3,779 acres; general outdoor, 6,843
acres; natural environment, 72 7,510 acres; natural features, 47 acres; historic
and cultural, 149 acres; and water oriented, 10,368 acres. Major water areas
include 144,616 acres of fresh water. Numerous historic sites are among the
outstanding recreational resources of this Gulf Coast region. Major
recreational sites and resources are identified on the map.
District 8 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource 
Needs, by year'
Activity or resource unit 1973-74 1980 2000
Playgrounds acres 22 79 1,081
Archery positions +31 +24 127
Tennis courts 70 125 332
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds 40 65 105
Softball diamonds +106 +89 +24
Basketball courts 49 123 295
Volleyball courts 22 40 73
Track and field fields +9 +4 8
Picnicking tables 2,450 2,441 3,022
Roads for sightseeing miles 134 158 221
Trails for pleasure walking miles 51 67 96
Pool swimming square feet 44,505 78,105 128,505
Pond or lake swimming acres 83 93 110
Vacation camping campsites 483 863 1,852
Group camping beds 510 788 1,121
Hunting land acres +34,982 224,518 485,518
Fishing waters acres +465,256 +425,952 +206,086
Trails for bicycle riding miles 494 559 661
Trails for horseback riding miles +18 +3 59
Natural and scenic viewing sites 13 27 55
Golf, 18-hole courses - 3 20
Golf, 9-hole courses - 1 11
Firearm shooting ranges +22 +20 +10
Transient camping campsites +505 +254 359
Boat launching ramps 53 84 239
Parking, boat access areas spaces 5,532 7,082 14,832
Land, local governments acres 3,115 4,027 5,661
Land, State Parks acres +1,473 +789 436
Land, other agencies acres 8,836 11,344 15,837
A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
1. William Weatherford Monument
2. Fort Mims
3. Mobile historic areas
4. Battleship U.S.S. Alabama and
Submarine U.S.S. Drum
5. Meaher State Park
6. Malbis Greek Orthodox Church
7. Fairhope Yacht Club
8. Point Clear
9. Bellingrath Gardens
10. Dauphin Island parks
11. Indian Shell Mounds
12. Fort Gaines
13. Fort Morgan
14. Gull State Park
15. Alabama Point Wayside Park
16. Orange Beach
17. Perdido Bay
18. Blakeley
19. Bon Secour Village
20. Elberta Historic District
21. Eastern Shore Cottage District,
Montrose and Daphne
22. Leigh House (ride-by), Brewton
23. Canoe Community Farming Village
(ride-by)
24. Ellicott Stone, near Bucks
25. Town of Bayou LaBatre and shrimp boats
26. Admiral Semmes Home, Mobile
27. Fort Conde-Charlotte Fort and House
28. Oakleigh Antebellum Home, Mobile
29. Moongate House, Mobile
30. Carlen House Museum, Mobile
31. City Hall - City Market, Mobile
32. Barton Academy, Mobile
33. University of South Alabama - Marx
House and Seamen's Bethel, Mobile
34. Bienville Square, Mobile
35. Church Street East Historic
District, Mobile
36. Washington Square Historic
District, Mobile
37. DeTonti Square Historic District,
Mobile
38. Spring Hill historic sites, Mobile
39. G.M. and 0. Railroad Station, Mobile
40. Whistler Historic District, Prichard
41. Bartram Canoe Trail
ALABAMA
RIVER
GULF OF MEXICO
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 8
District 9
District 9 is a three-county region in south-central Alabama. It has a
surface area of 1,317,120 acres, of which 96.3 percent is land. Population in
1970 was 225,787-71 percent urban and 29 percent rural. Much of the
urban population is concentrated in Montgomery, Wetumpka, and Prattville.
The district's population is projected to reach 242,300 by 1980 and 291,200
by 2000.
In 1974 District 9 had 295 public recreational sites containing 49,153
acres, classified as follows: high density, 2,092 acres; general outdoor, 1,953
acres; natural environment, 41,133 acres; natural features, 210 acres;
primitive, 60 acres; historic and cultural, 24 acres; and water oriented, 3,681
acres. Major water areas include all or portions of Martin, 
Jordan, Yates,
Thurlow, and Jones Bluff lakes. There are numerous historic sites associated
with the State Capitol in Montgomery that are valuable resources for this
district. Major recreational sites and resources are identified on the map.
District 9 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource Needs, by year
i
Activity or resource unit 
1973-74 1980 2000
Playgrounds acres 425 460 969
Archery positions +20 +17 71
Tennis courts +33 26 197
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds 36 39 62
Softball diamonds +34 +28 +4
Basketball courts +22 6 108
Volleyball courts +18 +14 2
Track and field fields 4 8 14
Picnicking tables 879 878 1,208
Roads for sightseeing miles 49 58 93
Trails for pleasure walking miles 5 10 43
Pool swimming square feet 117,592 160,692 251,192
Pond or lake swimming acres 29 35 52
Vacation camping campsites 4 20 84
Group camping beds +471 +429 +179
Hunting land acres 393,485 442,985 491,485
Fishing waters acres +965 4,452 34,818
Trails for bicycle riding miles 171 198 345
Trails for horseback riding miles 17 24 44
Natural and scenic viewing sites +9 +8 +5
Golf, 18-hole courses - 4 12
Golf, 9-hole courses 1 8
Firearm shooting ranges +15 +14 +12
Transient camping campsites +42 +4 136
Boat launching ramps 47 58 109
Parking, boat access areas spaces 2,901 3,451 6,001
Land, local governments acres 3,436 3,530 4,508
Land, State Parks acres 3,564 3,634 4,368
Land, other agencies acres 4,211 4,469 7,159
1 A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 9
1. Camp Tukabatchee
2. Bridge Creek Lodge
3. Fort Toulouse
4. Greer Farm and Lakes
5. Maxwell Field Air Force Base
6. First White House of the
Confederacy
7. State Capitol
8. Oak Park
9. Arrowhead Golf Course
10. Kowaliga Beach
11. Daniel Pratt Industrial
District, Prattville
12. Alabama State Penitentiary -
first state prison
13. McGillivray Plantation site, near
Wallsboro
14. Robinson Springs Methodist Church
15. William Wyatt Bibb Grave, Coosada
16. Jasmine Hill
17. Wetumpka Historic District (ride-by)
18. Archives and History Museum,
Montgomery
19. Court Square Historic Area,
Montgomery
20. Dexter Avenue Baptist Church,
Montgomery
21. Rice-Semple-Hlaardt House and Lurleen
B. Wallace Museum, Montgomery
22. Ordeman-Shaw House Complex,
Montgomery
23. Perry Street Historic District,
Montgomery
24. Teague House, Montgomery
25. Union Station, Montgomery
26. Murphy House, Montgomery
District 10
District 10 is a two-county region in east-central Alabama. It has a surface
area of 805,120 acres, of which 96.8 percent is land. Population in 1970 was
106,662-63 percent urban and 37 percent rural. Much of the urban
population is concentrated in Auburn, Opelika, and Phenix City. The
district's population is projected to reach 119,500 by 1980 and 150,400 by
2000.
In 1974 District 10 had 102 public recreational sites containing 1 3,829
acres, classified as tollows: high density, 9001 acres; general outdoor, 245
acres; natural environment, 9,701 acres; historic and cultural, 27 acres; and
water oriented, 2,956 acres. Major water areas include all or portions of
Hardin, Goat Rock, Oliver, Bartletts Ferry, and two city water supply lakes.
Numerous sites associated with Auburn University and various historic
locations are among the better known recreational attractions of this small
district. Major recreational sites and resources are identified on the map.
District 10 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Resource Needs, by 
year
1
Activity or resource unit 1973-74 1980 2000
Playgrounds acres 71 72 278
Archery positions +43 +42 4
Tennis courts 17 38 84
Baseball (90' & 75' bases) diamonds 5 13 23
Softball diamonds +18 +17 +14
Basketball courts +33 +24 6
Volleyball courts +10 +71
Track and field fields +3 +2 +2
Picnicking tables 28 102 198
Roads for sightseeing miles 33 36 52
Trails for pleasure walking miles 2 4 17
Pool swimming square feet 34,115 47,515 79,715
Pond or lake swimming acres +5 +4 +2
Vacation camping campsites 22 36 87
Group camping beds 492 547 644
Hunting land acres 217,720 280,720 315,220
Fishing waters acres +23,043 +9,493 5,907
Trails for bicycle riding miles 30 71 183
Trails for horseback riding miles +41 +40 +34
Natural and scenic viewing sites +3 +2 +2
Golf, 18-hole courses -1 4
Golf, 9-hole courses -1 3
Firearm shooting ranges +3 +3 +2
Transient camping campsites +73 71 293
Boat launching ramps +3 18 46
Parking, boat access areas spaces 65 1,115 2,515
Land, local governments acres +158 94 712
Land, State Parks acres 908 1,096 1,560
Land, other agencies acres 4,073 4,765 6,465
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 10
I. Loachapoka historic area
2. Auburn University experimental
fish ponds
3. Auburn University
4. Chewacla State Park
5. Camp Spring Villa
6. Lee County Lake
7. Salcm-Shotwell covered bridge
8. Lake Harding Area
9. Idle Hour Park
10. 1Fort Mitchell
11. Hatchechubbee
12. City of Auburn Historic District
(ride-by)
13. Russell County Courthouse at Seale
14. 1Fort Apalachicola
15. Lee County Courthouse
16. Auburn Railroad Depot
17. Auburn University Players Theater -
Chapel
IA plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
District 11
District 11I is a three-county region in northern Alabama. It has a surface
area of 1,309,440 acres, of which 96.8 percent is land. Population in 1970
was 157,032-63 percent rural and 37 percent urban. Much of the urban
population is concentrated in Decatur, Cullman, and Hartselle. Thc district's
population is projected to reach 198,600 by 1980 and 318,600 by 2000.
In 1974 District I I had 170 public recreational sites containing 180,877
acres, classified as follows: high density, 1,662 acres; general outdoor, 945
acres; natural environment, 158,210 acres;, primitive, 1,200 acres; historic and
cultural, 11I acres; and water oriented, 1 8,849 acres. Major water areas include
all or portions of Wheeler and Smith lakes and a segment of the Tennessee
River. Other important recreational resources include tacilities associated
with the bodies of water and a portion of Bankhead National Forest. Major
recreational sites and resources are identified on the map.
District 11I Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
197 3-74, 1980, 2000
Resource Needs, by year
1
Activity or resource unit 197 3-74 1980 200
Playgrounds
Archery
Tennis
Baseball (90' & 75' bases)
Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Track and field
Picnicking
Roads for sightseeing
Trails for pleasure walking
Pool swimming
Pond or lake swimming
Vacation camping
Group camping
Hunting land
Fishing waters
Trails for bicycle riding
Trails for horseback riding
Natural and scenic viewing
Golf, 18-hole
Golf, 9-bole
F irearm shooting
Transient camping
Boat launching
Parking, boat access areas
Land, local governments
Land, State Parks
Land, other agencies
acres
positions
courts
diamonds
diamonds
courts
courts
fields
tables
miles
miles
square feet
acres
campsites
beds
acres
acres
miles
miles
sites
courses
courses
ranges
campsites
ram ps
spaces
acres
acres
acres
194
+2
+15
1
0
+35
11
0
713
19
20
+107,022
8
42
185
+74,128
+19,674
64
41
6
16
+33
+12
834
1,169
2,118
+6,04.5
196
0
34
9
6
+2S
17
815
24
25
+7 7,5 22
9
206
213
57,372
+16,540
82
57
11
0
17
36
+7
1,084
1,757
2,559
+4,428
917
101
200
33
29
15
28
2y
1,295
43
49
+20,622
12
617
283
133,872
+ 1,207
383
115
22
12
8
22
214
23
2,584
4,157
4,359
2,172
Selected Recreational and Hlistoric Sites in District I I
Joe Wheeler State Park
General Joe Wheeler's Home
Mallard Creek Public Use Area
Mallard-lox Creek Waterfowl
Management Area
Point Mallard Park
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Southeastern Hlorse Center
Hurricane Creek Park
Horseshoe Bluff Pioneer Museum
10. Ave Maria Grotto
11. Covered bridge
12. Smith Lake Park
13. Pine Torch Log Church
14. Old State Bank, Decatur
15. Somerville Courthouse
16. Colonel John G. Cullmann Home,
Cullman
17. Cullman Railroad and Bridge
District
IA plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
District 12
District 12 is a five-county region in extreme northeastern Alabama. It has
a surface area of 2,524,800 acres, of which 95.2 percent is land. Population in
1970 was 363,633-57 percent urban and 43 percent rural. Much of the
urban population is concentrated in Athens, Huntsville, Scottsboro, Fort
Payne, and Guntersville. The district's population is projected to reach
430,300 by 1980 and 607,200 by 2000.
In 1974 District 1 2 had 456 public recreational sites containing 126,121
acres, classified as follows: high density, 5,311 acres; general outdoor, 6,022
acres; natural environment, 91,583 acres; natural features, 1,570 acres,
primitive, 530 acres;, historic and cultural, 541 acres; and water oriented,
20,564 acres. Major water areas include all or portions of Wheeler anti
Guntersville lakes. Adding to the recreational resources of the region are
valuable sites associated with State Parks, Huntsville's space center, and
numerous private attractions. Major recreational sites and resources are
identified on the map.
District 12 Outdoor Recreational Land and Facility Needs, by Activity,
1973-74, 1980, 2000
Activity or resource
Playgrounds
Archery
Tennis
Baseball (90' & 75' bases)
Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Track and field
Picnicking
Roads for sightseeing
Trails for pleasure walking
Pool swimming
Pond or lake swimming
Vacation camping
Group camping
Hunting land
Fishing waters
Trails for bicycle riding
Trails for horseback riding
Natural and scenic viewing
Golf, 18-hole
Golf, 9-hole
Firearm shooting
Transient camping
Boat launching
Parking, boat access areas
Land, local governments
Land, State Parks
Land, other agencies
Resource
unit
acres
positions
courts
diamonds
diamonds
courts
courts
fields
tables
miles
miles
square feet
acres
campsites
beds
acres
acres
miles
miles
sites
courses
courses
ranges
campsites
ramps
spaces
acres
acres
ares
Needs, by year'
1973-74 1980
+665
+17
130
9
9
+93
+60
2
702
24
53
80,113
4
+90
963
379,975
+45,638
126
85
3
+21
+302
19
4,620
4,154
+8,332
+ 1,65S4
+589
6
200
40
24
+58
+44
6
996
38
66
148,213
8
236
1,171
626,975
+34,422
162
124
12
2
+16
205
45
5,920
5,196
+7,551
1,212
2000
796
128
324
114
79
50
14
20
1,862
89
122
393,413
23
1,152
1,851
780,975
17,161
726
252
33
33
24
11
1,332
146
10,970
8,734
+4,89 7
10,941
Selected Recreational and Historic Sites in District 12
Llk River State Park
Mooresville Historic District
Alabama Space and Rocket Center
Monte Sano State Park
Marshall County Recreation Area
L ake Guntersville State Park
Buck's Pocket State Park
Cathedral Caverns
Goose Pond Colony Park
Russell Cave National Monument
DeKalb County Lake
Sequoyah Cave
DeSoto Falls
DeSoto State Park
Manitou Cave
Canyonland Park
1 ort Payne Opera House and Depot
Mentone Resort
DeS oto Trail entrance point
Stevenson Depot
21. Bridgeport Depot
22. Belie Mina Home and Village (ride-by)
23. Athens College and City District
24. Twickenhiam Historic District,
Huntsville (ride-through)
25. Weeden House, Huntsville
26. Big Springs Park, Huntsville
27. Constitution Hall Park, Huntsville
28. Memphis and Charleston Railroad
Depot, Huntsville
29. Rogers House, Huntsville
30. Burritt Museum, Huntsville
31. Union Chapel Church, UAII Campus
32. Athens Railroad Depot
33. Limestone County Courthouse
34. Albertville Railroad Depot and
Historical Park
35. City of Guntersville Commercial
District
36. Hobbs Island Archaeological Site
IA plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
TE NNESSEE
RiVER
What Needs To Be Done In Alabama
A recognition of tremendous strides made in recent years seems in order as
needs for the future are pinpointed. Certainly Alabama has made great
progress in filling recreational needs since its first plan (the Statewide Interim
Plan) was published in 1966. Extent of this progress becomes readily
apparent upon review of deficiencies noted and recommendations made in
that early report. While needs are still great in many areas, progress that has
been made should be recognized and appreciated by all persons interested in
Alabama's recreational development.
Although the past is important in providing guidance and orientation, this
report focuses on the future. Needs are reported for specific recreational
resources required to meet needs in 1980 and 2000. These needs are
expressed numerically through the process of subtracting current supply from
the demand requirement developed in the latest Alabama study, thereby
providing data with sufficient accuracy to guide the expenditure of resources
leading to the most needed activities and areas.
STANDARDS FOR PLANNING
Increasing demand for recreational facilities from year to year is the basis
on which future land and facility needs are developed. Net demand for
1973-74 was found to total 505,5 10,000 activity occasions. Projections show
a 20 percent increase by 1980 (to 605,221,000), with another 56 percent
demand boost by the year 2000 (to 941,165,000 occasions). Anticipated
increases by specific activity are reported in the following table.
Two types of standards were used in developing future needs that are given
in this section: (1) space standards that designate minimum acreage for
specific recreational areas and for population units, and (2) resource
standards that establish carrying capacity of different type facilities. These
were applied the same throughout the State, with no distinction between
rural and urban needs.
The use of space standards for planning recognizes that land is the common
ingredient for all recreational programs, and the base on which all
developments begin. No concrete action can be taken to develop facilities for
specific recreational activities until suitable land is available for use. This land
orientation was obvious in the tables presenting individual district data in the
preceding section. Not only were needs given in acres of land for many
activities, but total land needs were given for local governments, State Parks,
and other agencies.
The space standards used call for a minimum of 90 acres of recreational
land (excluding hunting and other nonsupporting recreational land) per 1,000
residents. Representing the bare minimum, these standards should be
exceeded wherever and whenever possible. Land needs should be considered
on a district-by-di strict basis, since land in one district generally will not
support recreational demand in another. This total per 1,000 population
Growing Demand for Specific Recreational Activities in Alabama,
from 1973-74 to 1980 and 2000
Percent increase
Activity Net demand by years 197 3-74 1980
1973-74 1980 200 to 1980 to 2000
Thousands of occasions
Picnicking .. .. .. .. ..... 20,701 21,528 26,932 4 25
Driving for pleasure ..... 97,500 110,269 151,770 13 38
Walking for pleasure . . . . 74,132 84,468 128,663 14 52
Swimming .. .. .. .. ..... 39,621 49,484 71,320 25 44
Family camping. .. .. ...... 6,264 8,298 13,862 32 67
Group camping ....... 710 799 1,037 13 30
Day use camping ...... 215 260 468 21 80
Trail camping .. .. .. ....... 168 244 498 45 104
Overnight stay at resorts . . 796 1,026 1,735 29 69
Playground use .. .. .. .... 13,504 14,385 27,545 7 91
Archery. .. .. .. .. ...... 1,384 1,640 4,654 18 184
Tennis .. .. .. .. .. ..... 5,459 7,220 11,192 32 55
Firearm shooting ...... 3,361 3,653 4,773 9 31
Playing games and sports. . 37,549 43,299 58,469 15 35
Fishing .. .. .. .. .. ..... 33,833 39,625 62,768 17 58
Hunting .. .. .. .. .. .... 11,122 14,573 16,867 31 16
Playing regular gulf. 4,753 5,242 12,104 10 131
Use of golf driving ranges . 225 253 640 12 153
Miniature golf. .. .. .. ..... 586 645 1,379 10 113
Boating. .. .. .. .. .. .... 9,013 11,434 18,824 27 65
Water skiing .. .. .. .. .... 2,571 3,571 6,431 39 80
Visiting sites and/or
spectator at events . . . 40,736 56,577 87,769 39 55
Use of trails on foot . . . . 9,633 11,256 15,373 17 37
Use of rails by riding .. . . 5,914 10,366 33,424 75 222
Horseback riding, not on
trails .. .. .. .. .. .... 8,804 10,325 15,245 17 48
Bicycling, not on trails .. . 63,908 79,779 146,694 25 84
Recreational vehicles, not
on trails .. .. .. .. ..... 9,947 11,733 16,806 18 43
Outdoor skating. .. .. ...... 3,101 3,269 3,923 5 20
TOTAL OR AVERAGE. 505,510 605,221 941,165 20 56
should be furnished according to the following division: (1) local
governments (county governing bodies, county school systems, incorporated
cities and towns, and city school systems), 20 acres shared in a manner
acceptable to local residents; (2) State Parks land, operated by the Division of
State Parks, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 15
acres (on a district basis); and (3) "other" recreational land, 55 acres to be
shared among Federal agencies, State agencies other than State Parks, and
private enterprise, both profit and nonprofit types. These amounts of land
should be distributed over counties and cities to provide a variety of resources
near the people.
Resource standards provide a measure of carrying capacity based on such
factors as capacity of a specific facility at one time (such as seating capacity
at a picnic table), daily total of activity occasions for a given resource, the
number of times in a day that a facility is used by different persons or groups,
and length of season the facility is used. The standards used were developed
on the basis of patterns of use, assuming a pleasant experience for the
recreational user and conservation of the resource. Examples of space
standards used include the following:
Picnicking-4 persons per table capacity, 1.5 daily turnover rate, and
180-day season, for a total of 1,080 occasions per table; on the basis of land,
7 tables per acre for capacity of 7,560 occasions per acre per year.
Canoeing-4 persons in canoes per mile of stream capacity, 6 daily turnover
rate, and 180-day season, for a total of 4,320 occasions per mile of stream.
Hunting, small game-0.0136 person per acre capacity, 1 daffy turnover
rate, and 162-day season, for total of 2 occasions per acre of space.
Vacation camping-3 persons per site capacity, 1 daily turnover rate, and
150-day season, for total of 450 occasions per site.
Tennis-3 per court capacity, 6 daily turnover rate, and 150-day season, for
total of 2,700 occasions per court.
Playing games-20 persons per field capacity, 3 daily turnover rate, and
75-day season, for total of 4,500 occasions per field.
Hiking-18 persons per mile capacity, 0.75 daily turnover rate, and
280-day season, for total of 3,780 occasions per mile of trail.
Driving for pleasure-25 persons per mile capacity, 30 daily turnover rate,
and 140-day season, for total of 105,000 occasions per mile.
Playing golf (18-hole course)-72 persons per course capacity, 2.4 daily
turnover rate, and 165-day length of season, for a total of 28,512 occasions
per course.
How space and resource standards are used to convert data on population,
supply, and demand into needs is illustrated by an example from District 1
(refer to table on page 29):
Population in 1.974 was 192,500. With local government recommended to
operate 20 acres of recreational land (excluding hunting land) per 1,000
residents, the requirement was for 3,850 acres of land needed by local
governments. Supply data revealed a shortage of 1,488 acres for 1973-74.
[42]
Similarly, projections for 1980 and 2000 for populations of 199,000 and
235,400 increased the local government land deficiency to 1,618 and 2,346
acres, respectively, if no land is acquired prior to these future dates.
District 1 data for 1974 show a net demand for picnicking of 1,454,000
occasions. Dividing this demand by 1,080 annual occasions per table results
in a requirement of 1,346 tables. The 1974 supply of tables in that district
was only 914, which left a need for 432 above the 1973-74 supply inven-
toried. Increased needs brought on by population increases bring 1980 needs
to 446 tables and 2000 needs to 685 tables.
LAND AND FACILITY NEEDS OF THE FUTURE
Present needs for outdoor recreational facilities are based on current
demand and supply data. Needs for 1980 are based on projected increases in
demand, but with the assumption that supply will remain static (future
resource development cannot be projected as demand is projected). The
statewide needs data in the following table are based on the use of projected
demand data and current supply. Needs shown are "net" needs, which means
that districts with a shortage in a specific activity are balanced against others
with a surplus. This is a little misleading as to practical needs. This problem is
overcome, however, by use of the individual district data presented in an
earlier section.
The need for additional land by local governments, a need that will
increase as population continues to grow, will be obvious in the discussions
that follow about individual recreational activities. Magnitude of this need
varies from place to place, being more urgent in some counties, cities, and
towns than in others. Constant attention to land acquisition is needed to
assure that a portion of the land allocated to new subdivisions, housing
developments, and school sites is set aside for recreational uses. Bringing
available land up to 90 acres per 1,000 population will require efforts of both
the public and private sectors of recreation, on a district-by-district basis.
Trails for Pleasure Walking. Most walking for pleasure is nontrail walking,
but part of this would shift to trail walking if facilities were available. Walking
for pleasure is essentially an urban activity, so meeting this need is mainly a
responsibility of city governments. Trails could be developed in some city
parks for this purpose. Local agencies should also assist in the development of
some long trails within each district which would be used by some people
walking for pleasure as well as by hikers.
Trails for Bicycling. Bicycling follows walking for pleasure as the second
leading activity in terms of resident demand, despite there being only 122
miles of developed bicycle trails. Even this limited supply has numerous
limitations, since part of the mileage is in parks for use with rental bikes and
some is multi-purpose trails not well suited for bicycles. For all bicycling to
occur on trails would require 2,413 miles of trails. Even though much
bicycling will continue to be on sidewalks and roadways, there is still a great
need for developed bicycling trails in many areas of the State.
Net Outdoor Recreational Land and FIacility 
Needs, by Activity,
Alabama, 1973-74, 1980, 2000
Activity or resource
Playgrounds
Archery
Tennis
Baseball (90' & 75' bases)
Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Track and field
I'cnicking
R oads for sightseeing
Trails for pleasure walking
Pool swimming
Pond or lake swimming
Vacation camping
Group camping
Hlunting land
iFishing, fresh & salt water
Trails for bicycle riding
Trails for horseback riding
Natural and scenic viewinlg
(Golf, 18-hole
Golf, 9-hole
Land, local governments
Land, State Parks
Land, other agencies
Resource
unit
acres
positions
courts
diamonds
diamonds
courts
courts
fields
tables
miles
miles
square feel
acres;
campsites
beds
acres
acres
miles
miles
sites
courses
courses
acres
acres
acres
Needs, by year
1973-74 1980
339
23
388
149
168
170
33
13
7,286
466
396
447,032
423
889
887
3,931,640
+675,737
2,413
802
7
30,865
4,369
51,435
815
110
1,041
372
278
436
139
47
8,052
586
479
988,232
540
2,826
2,123
6,344,140
+555,133
3,043
1,027
64
21
8
36,235
8,393
66,201
I A plus sign (+) indicates that supply exceeds requirements.
Playing Games and Sports. All districts have a deficiency in some types of
playfields, and demand continues to grow for playing sports and games such
as baseball, softball, football, tennis, archery, volleyball, and basketball. A
major need is for more facilities that can be used for activities of both male
and female participants.
Playgrounds. Acreage needed for playgrounds shows only a relatively small
need at present, but the shortage will be large in the future unless major
additions are made. Five of the 12 districts show a current surplus in
playground acreage, but the large deficit in District 3 (Birmingham) illustrates
the critical need in urban areas. Location of playgrounds is a critical factor in
effective supply, since these facilities must be readily available for children in
the neighborhoods where they live.
Roads for Sightseeing. Although Alabama has roads available for pleasure
driving in all parts of the State, its mileage of scenic drives, roads within
Playgrounds represent a critical need in urban areas of Alabama, but location
in reference to where people live is a prime consideration in filling this need.
parks, and parkways amounts to only about half of that needed at present
and even smaller proportions of 1980 and 2000 needs. Roads like the
Talladega Scenic Drive should be completed, although not all of the needs
require new road construction. Many miles of existing roads could be
developed into desirable scenic drives to fill demands of the future.
Swimming. Despite the variety of resources 
used for swimming ponds,
creeks, rivers, pools-there is a big need for suitable facilities to service this
activity, the fifth ranking one in Alabama. Boosting this need for swimming
facilities is the need to shift swimming from streams, many of which are not
suitable because of health hazards involved, to pools and developed beach
areas. While certain districts have a current surplus of pool area, the statewide
2000
7,929
1,112
2,511
748
1,388
395
125
13,056
983
825
2,1181,832
76 7
7,894
5,429
8,690,14.0
S37,918
5,701
1,740
164
184
134
53,085
21,030
112,536
i
total need is large and will be considerably larger by 1980, and especially so
by the year 2000, unless significant additions are made.
Fishing Water. Fishing is one activity for which resources (fresh and salt
water combined) show a surplus to the year 2000, on a statewide basis. The
major problem is in District 3, where there is not enough fishing water to
satisfy demands of this district's heavy population. District 2 also has been a
deficit area, but Corps of Engineers impoundments under construction will
help to overcome this. Farm fish ponds could do much to fill the need in all
districts by 1980 if such facilities could be profitable for farm pond
operators.
Picnicking. Only one district in the State was inventoried as currently
having adequate numbers of picnic tables, with the statewide net need
Farm fish ponds could do much to fill the need for fishing opportunities
in areas where there is a deficit, provided such facilities prove profitable
for operators
Providing extra access areas and 
parking spaces could increase opportuni..
ties for boating and other water-.related 
activities on Alabama lakes.
amounting to 7,286 
tables. Tables are not 
essential for all picnicking,
however, so fewer tables than the net need shown 
could be adequate to meet
practical needs. The highly populated districts 3 
and 8 urgently need
additional picnic tables immediately. All 
districts will need additional tables
by 1980, especially for high weekend demand.
Trails. Trails suitable 
for horseback riding, 
operating off-road vehicles,
nature walking, and hiking are in short supply. 
Although there are 271
Alabama sites with trails, their average length 
of just under 5 miles indicates
part of the problem. Restricted use of others 
(provided only for persons
attending certain events or using specific sites) 
further illustrates the scarcity.
Short trails do not provide for long trail needs.
Hunting. Alabama has the needed land acreage to provide 
for much more
hunting than is projected for either 1980 or 2000, 
but there is a shortage of
hunting land available to the public. 
Federal and State agencies do not 
have
control of enough land to provide the 
hunting areca needed, so the bulk of all
hunting land must be supplied by the private 
sector. The net shortage of
hunting land in 1973-74 amounted to 
3.9 million acres, and this is projected
to more than double by 2000. ('hanging land 
use, and resulting decreases in
-I
a
/
"V
/ I
game habitat, probably represent greater problems than simply hunting land
acreage, particularly in northern Alabama.
Boating. Alabama has the water resources to provide for all activities that
are broadly defined as boating-power boating, water skiing, canoeing, and
sailboating-but problems exist in multiple use of areas by boaters, swimmers,
and fishermen. Certain regulations may be needed for peak use seasons, and
providing of extra access areas and parking spaces could have a desirable
effect.
Camping and Staying at Resorts. Vacation campsites are in short supply
across Alabama and, despite new additions, the needs will increase greatly in
the years ahead. In addition to facilities to handle the luxury camper, there
are needs for sites for primitive camping, hiker camping, canoer camping, day
camping, and group camping. Undeveloped sites fill some of the need, such as
tor fishermen who simply want a space to park their pickup-camper for a few
hours of sleep before beginning early morning fishing. Resort type facilities,
such as lodges and cottages included in some of Alabama's State Parks, fill a
similar need for campgrounds, but there still remains a big need for campsites.
SPECIAL NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED
While the data about specific activitics must be oni thc basis of total
population for a district or statewide, many groups of people across the State
merit special consideration. Recreational needs are ditferent for the
Picnicking is a family activity that enjoys widespread popularity in all areas
of the State.
disadvantaged, the handicapped, the elderly, and both urban and inner-city
residents. Available information was used to point up needs of these groups
so that consideration could be given to solving their special problems.
Systems of transportation to get people from their homes to places where
recreational facilities are available is a need fur the disadvantaged,
handicapped, elderly, inner-city residents of large towns and cities, and in
lesser degree for the rural resident. Location of facilities is also critical for
these same groups, with children of inner-city, disadvantaged families having
special needs for neighborhood type resources. Educational programs
designed to acquaint youngsters with various forms of recreation also are
needed, as are similar undertakings to reach certain groups of adults.
Modification of facilities to permit participation despite physical handicaps
from disability or age could contribute greatly to special need groups. The
importance of such programs is emphasized by data showing that fully 20
percent of Alabama's population have some type of handicap that limits full
enjoyment of outdoor recreation and the State's population will soon reach
1 2 percent aged (65 or older).
A survey of some 300 families residing in one section of Birmingham found
that only 41 percent of the sample had used at least one recreational resource
in the year preceding the interview (reported in "Recreation in Western
Birmingham," by the Birmingham Recreation Coordination Council). Some
30 percent of the residents said they favored a change in available recreational
activities. Facilities and programs for senior citizens were suggested by more
than 10 percent, and facilities and programs for children and facilities and
programs for adults each were mentioned by 13 percent. Swimming pools,
playgrounds, tennis courts, and parks were suggested by significant numbers.
Such studies provide general guidance in filling needs that are not well
identified in statewide or district data.
Special problems in urban areas were described earlier, and the following
corrective actions are suggested:
1. Low cost recreational activities that will appeal to people in low
income areas should be provided. Appropriate activities include softball,
volleyball, basketball, and other sport field and court games.
2. Walking and bicycle paths are needed for travel to and from
recreational areas.
3. All age groups should be considered in program development.
4. Local agencies and neighborhood groups should work together in
meeting facility needs.
5. More small areas should be used to provide neighborhood parks, such
as mini-parks and tot-lots.
6. Stream corridors and abandoned railroad rights-of-way can be used for
trails and strip recreational areas.
7. Areas for adult relaxation can be developed by use of suitable rooftops
and by landscaping and equipping available areas.
towed trailers, 31,067; motor campers, 12,661; home pools, 11,916; second
homes, 35,536; trail bikes, 61,921; other off-road vehicles, 
67,028.
Although the majority of Alabamians said they would not curtail their
recreational travel because of gasoline scarcity or high cost, the I family 
in 11
that would do so could increase the demand for more local recreation.
Responses to the question about what government should do to improve
recreation in Alabama showed the supplying of more local playgrounds to be
the most suggested action. Swimming facilities were mentioned second, and
providing more picnic areas and tables placed third. Tennis courts and
ballfields were next, followed by fishing areas, camping areas, and foot trails.
Ieighb orE d :ype resources were iound to be a critical need in urban areas
of Alabama, especially for the disadvantaged in inner-ciLy areas.
8. Low use or unused streets can be used for street playgrounds.
9. Private parking lots can be used for evening and weekend playgrounds.
10. Unique and unused buildings make suitable recreational centers.
GHLDUWCAE HFED
Other special needs were pointed up in miscellaneous data collected in the
latest survey. Data about ownership of recreational equipment and likes and
dislikes of participants identified problem areas that were not noted in any
other way.
Boat ownership was found to total 186,557 statewide, of which 150,000
or more are moved from home to recreational area either once per season or
regularly on weekends during the summer recreational boating season. lHeavy
weekend boat hauling traffic creates special traffic problems that may call for
additional traffic patrolmen, while heavy weekend boating activity may
require extra marine patrolmen to control water traffic problems involving
groups of boaters or boaters and other recreationists.
Other ownership data were revealing, as illustrated by the following
statewide ownership totals: tents, 94,159; covered pickup trucks, 38,621;
Bicycling takes many forms, ranging from individual riding for pleasure or
transportation to organized competitive events.
OTHER DATA/\
When the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Districts conducted their
survey of the private sector in 1974, one question asked for first and second
priority among that county's potential to supply a need for more of these
resources. Campgrounds got top priority in 15 counties, the highest of any
activity, and second priority in another 10 counties. Fishing waters received
24 first and second place votes, and water sports placed third with 21 first
and second rankings. This opinion further confirms that private enterprise can
and should actively supply demand for outdoor recreational activities for
which there is a profit potential.
Improved management can increase the recreational load that can be served
at many sites. Such things as improving location 
or distribution of facilities,
adding night lighting to lengthen use hours, use of mobile programs and
equipment, promotion of private facilities where additional resources are
needed, and coordinating transit systems and road improvements to facilitate
access to recreational areas are examples.
Increasing use of an area without undue damage by crowds can be
accomplished by various actions. Zoning offers opportunities for reducing
interference between activities, such as by designating specific lake areas for
water skiing and other areas for fishing. Changes in design of parking areas,
playfields, and roads can speed movement of people or cars to increase
number of users. Providing screens and walkways to control and expedite
foot traffic also offers possibilities. Forest-wildlife management can
successfully increase wild game for more hunting opportunities.
Properly planned and executed maintenance can reduce down time for
many recreational units, thereby increasing their capacity. Renovation can
cffectively improve operation and capacity of certain types of sites, such as
improved roads, parking lots, lighting, and bathroom facilities to increase
ampground capacity. Support facilities, such 
as drinking water fountains,
restrooms, refuse collection stations, and parking lots at access sites may
become necessary for full utilization of various types of trails.
overcome three problem areas that remain: (1) only limited provision is made
for recovering land mined prior to the effective date; (2) exclusions to the
Act will permit future damage; and (3) the posted bond to ensure reclamation
by mining companies may be too low for adequate redevelopment. Act No.
399 was superseded by Act No. 551 in 1975, but its effectiveness against strip
mining problems is still unknown.
Although most county governments have assumed the responsibility for
solid waste disposal in accordance 
with State Health Department regulations,
improper disposal continues to blight the beauty of the countryside in many
places.
Quality of water for recreation continues to be a problem. Further study is
needed to classify existing acreage of water according to factors that restrict
its recreational use. Alabama has an EPA.-approved water plan under which it
is operating, but compliance is still a problem in some areas.
Related to water quality considerations is the need for an effective
program of stream preservation and development. A scenic rivers act that
provides for preservation of a limited number of Alabama streams is not
enough-all rivers and major creeks must be considered. Both pollution and
development have changed water quality, and efforts must be made to
prevent alteration of natural undeveloped streams that still exist in the State.
FNVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT
AND) PROTFCTKMN
Along with the needs for resources to serve specific recreational activities
and special groups of people, there is another area of special needs that must
be remembered. This is the need for protecting and enhancing the natural
resources. Without specific efforts to protect natural beauty, water 
quality,
wetland and estuarine areas, and other natural features, facility development
icould result in environmental damage that would be impossible to repair.
A sound State plan with adequate legislation is needed to not only clean up
scars on the countryside left where sprawling urbanization and misuse of
technology have damaged the environment, but also to provide leadership
that will assure preservation of the Siate's natural beauty in the years ahead.
Although Act No. 399, of 1969, provides for reasonable reclamation of lands
strip mined since the effective date of October 1, 1970, efforts are needed to
Protection of the environment while developing recreational facilities is an
important consideration that cannot be overlooked in the years ahead.
Only limited stream development is underway or likely for the next 2 or 3
years, so there is time for needed legislation to be passed.
Special studies are needed to determine what is happening to Alabama's
wetland in the face of drainage work and impoundment construction that can
destroy habitat for fish and wildlife. The studies should be followed by a
program of public education, legislative restrictions, and reevaluation of
agricultural and forestry acreage requirements.
Alabama's coastal area has no overall plan to guide and coordinate use and
development of this valuable resource for recreation. Completion of a coastal
area plan by the Coastal Areas Board is needed, with prompt review and
action by the Legislature.
Organized environmental educational programs are needed to inform
people about needs and to enlist them in conservation efforts. A program like
that suggested by the Environmental Education Advisory Council to cover all
students from kindergarten to college is fully needed and should be adopted.
The problem of gasoline shortages and spiraling energy costs has created
recreational problems that must be overcome by agencies operating
recreational facilities. Types of action that can be taken include the
following:
1. l)evelop trails to encourage the use of bicycles for recreation and
transportation.
2. Develop recreational programs that include activities such as hiking,
bicycling, man-powered boating, and sailing.
3. Develop programs that promote use of resources close to home.
4. Encourage group and bus travel by use of preferential pricing. For
example, charge the same park entrance fee for a car with 1 person or 5 or 6
persons, or the same bus rate for 30 or 60 persons.
5. Develop new urban areas near mass transit system routes.
6. Use a bus shuttle system within large parks to transport people from
area to area to reduce use of automobiles.
7. Adjust operating hours of recreational areas to fit daylight time, and
shift activities like ball games from night to afternoon.
8. Use metered lights to provide cutoff at a fixed time for unsupervised
areas.
9. Use bicycles and horses for security and maintenance purposes rather
than trucks and automobiles.
10. Adjust maintenance schedules, price structures, hours of use, and other
practices to encourage desired changes in use patterns of recreational areas.
Who Needs To Do What In Alabama
Combined efforts of all levels of government and private enterprise in
recent years have resulted in Alabama reaching an all-time high in number of
sites and facilities available for recreation. But this is no time for relaxation of
efforts. Continued efforts by both government and private enterprise will be
necessary to meet future needs for recreational resources while preserving the
environment. Further unification of efforts will be needed to eliminate short
term problems, provide an increasing number and variety of facilities and
5rograms, and overcome increasing economic difficulties. This calls for use of
techniques to coordinate all outdoor recreational suppliers, and is the
objective of guidelines formulated in this Plan.
This Plan can only serve as a guide. The implementing job can be done only
by various levels of government and private enterprise accepting
responsibilities for specific roles in the overall task. Not only must all plans
and programs be compatible, they must be interwoven into a unified plan of
action that will provide for development of facilities to supply high level
recreation and maintain a quality environment.
In the pages that follow, specific recommendations are made for actions by
each governmental agency and private sector involved in planning, organizing,
and providing for Alabama's total recreational program. Following these
suggestions should overcome the problems of independent actions that often
result in overlapping areas, thereby assuring the unified approach that must
be made to provide the most for the least input.
ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Federal
reservoirs and lakes, hunting areas, open space, parkways, and historic areas
are types of resources supplied by the Federal government that should
continue to receive attention. Conservation and quality development of
natural resources and preservation of historic treasures of national
significance should be of continuing concern to the Federal government, but
efforts should go beyond this. There also should be development of outdoor
recreational programs by the Federal segment to provide public welfare
benefits not furnished by other levels of government or private enterprise.
Specifically, the Federal government should continue its responsibility in
(1) providing high quality recreational opportunities on its land and water
resource holdings; (2) preserving outstanding natural areas, wetlands, historic
places and sites, and some open space within its present ownership and on
land acquired in the future; (3) providing technical and financial assistance
for State and local site acquisition and development programs; (4) providing
technical assistance to the private recreational sector; and (5) providing
financial and technical assistance to help implement a State environmental
education program. Specific recommendations are made for roles of the
departments of Agriculture, Defense, Interior, Housing and Urban
Development, and TVA. These are agencies that are already playing major
roles in providing recreational resources for Alabama.
Department of Agriculture
Agencies of the Department of Agriculture that have recreational
responsibilities in Alabama are the Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service,
Farmers Home Administration, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation
Service, and Cooperative Extension Service. Each is important, and specific
suggestions are given for each in the years ahead.
Forest Service
It is recommended that the Forest Service continue its outstanding
program involving National Forests, a program that makes important
recreational contributions. Cooperation and assistance of the State are needed
for the Forest Service to work in the following suggested ways:
1. Operation and use of the Sipsey Wilderness, and educating people of the
State about the need for protecting this area.
2. Continued development of the Talladega Scenic Drive to provide
opportunities for driving for pleasure and for other activities that could be
associated with such developments. However, the drive should be routed to
avoid major interference with the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area.
3. Conducting the West Fork Sipsey River study for possible inclusion of
this stream in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.
4. Continued development of trails in all Alabama National Forests, and
working toward bringing these trails into the National Recreational Trails
System. Particular attention should be given to Pinhoti Trail System of the
Talladega National Forest.
5. Development of an educational program to teach Alabama residents and
visitors about the National Forests. Potential actions include using roadside
signs in recreational areas and including location and information about
present and future National Forest recreational areas on the Official Alabama
Highway Map.
6. Continue development of Forest Service resources, including hunting
areas, and numbering all forest roads for visitor identification.
7. Conducting the Cahaba River study, in cooperation with the Alabama
Forestry Commission, for possible inclusion of a portion of this river in the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.
8. Shift to a multiple use concept with a recreational resource emphasis for
future development of National Forests.
Soil Conservation Service
Soil Conservation Service is encouraged to continue its work relating to
planning, acquisition, development, and cost sharing of recreational areas;
development of watershed projects with associated recreational uses; planning
[491
for river basin development to include recreation; and assistance in developing
income-producing recreational enterprises on private land. It is further
recommended that the State and SCS consider the possibility of cost sharing
in developing two State Parks, one in either District 5 or 9 and the other in
the densely populated District 3. The District 3 park should be developed in
cooperation with the Birmingham Water Board, and include water resources
large enough to supplement both the city water supply and the water flow of
the Cahaba River.
Farmers Home Administration
FHA should continue its rural development program, which supplies
assistance to local districts in water, sewage, and fire protection. In studies
being made for new water and sewage districts, it is recommended that
consideration be given to including in such districts all park areas that need
FHA service. Continuation of recreational loans to qualified agencies is also
recommended.
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
ASCS programs include assistance to farmers in long-range land use
adjustment, with recreational developments being included. While most ASCS
aid to recreation is expected to expire in 1976, efforts should be made to
continue to assist farmers in providing public recreation.
Cooperative Extension Service
The Extension Service should continue its program of providing technical
assistance to public groups and agencies, private organizations, and individuals
involved in developing outdoor recreational facilities. As a further suggestion,
consideration should be given to adding a second recreational specialist to the
State Extension staff, and to assigning one Extension worker in each county
to recreational and tourism responsibilities.
Department of Defense
Military bases should continue to be used in public recreational programs,
both for active military personnel and dependents and for the public where
possible. It is recommended that the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation work
with the Defense Department in a review of Public Law 90-465, which
authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program of development,
enhancement, operation, and maintenance of outdoor recreational resources
at military reservations.
Corps of Engineers
The Corps of Engineers should continue its excellent program of
cooperation and coordination of recreational resource development, so that
Privately-operated Ymarinas on impoundments such as the Corps of Engineers'
Walter F. George Lake extend the pleasures available to recreationists who
enjoy water-related activities on government-furnished lakes.
full utilization is made of land and water resources related to its 11
impoundments. In addition to operating its 
own recreational facilities,
cooperation with State and local governments and offering private leasing
arrangements can assure such needed facilities as public use areas, boat
launching ramps, picnic tables, grills, camping spaces, swimming 
beaches,
overlooks, hunting land, and hiking and nature trails. These resources enhance
the fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and waterfowl hunting activities
that are done on Corps lakes themselves.
Development of Corps resources at Jones Bluff and West Point lakes should
continue as rapidly as possible. Other specific recommendations for
consideration by Corps of Engineers are as follows:
1. Implement its forest-wildlife management plan and fish management
plan for all Corps lakes in Alabama.
2. Consider developing a waterfowl management area in the Gee's Bend
Area of the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir. At this site, the Corps has
already acquired approximately 90 acres for reservoir access and supporting
(limited) recreational development, an acreage too small to be suitable for
State Game and Fish Division management.
3. Consider adding 8,000 or more acres of land to allow development of a
wildlife management area in connection with Aliceville and Gainesville lakes
as a replacement for habitat lost to water development.
4. Review recreational offerings at all lakes, with consideration given to
developing additional resources to fill needs shown in this Plan. Cooperation
with local agencies should be promoted in the event additional developments
are planned under provisions of Public Law 89-72.
5. Continue efforts toward land acquisition and facility development on
Bankhead Lake, in cooperation with local governments.
6. Technical help should be provided to overcome the erosion problem at
two National Wildlife Refuges located on Corps out-granted land.
Department of he hnierior
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
BOR should continue to provide for the involvement of the Federal
government with other governmental agencies in planning, coordinating, and
developing recreation policy. It should continue its technical assistance and
financial assistance for State recreational planning under the Land and Water
Conservation Act. Provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act
of 1964 (PL 88-578) provide the framework that should be utilized by BOR
in continuing recreational efforts. BOR work in the area of special studies
should also be continued.
National Park Service
The four sites in Alabama that come under National Park Service Natchez
Trace Parkway, Russell Cave National Monument, Horseshoe Bend National
Military Park, and the newly designated Tuskegee Institute HIistoric
District are important recreational resources that should get further
development. It is recommended that NPS move forward with plans already
developed for these four sites as rapidly as funding is available. Interested
local people might be willing to assist with developing trails related to the
Natchez Trace Parkway, and this possibility should be explored.
Fish and Wildlife Service
Further development of Fish and Wildlife resources at Wheeler National
Wildlife Refuge, Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, and Choctaw National
Wildlife Refuge is recommended. Efforts should be directed towards meeting
established goals as rapidly as possible. These goals are aimed at providing
more migration and wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory and
resident birds, plus additional recreational opportunities. It is further
suggested that technical assistance be sought from the Corps of Engineers to
help control shoreline erosion at the Eufaula and Choctaw Refuges.
Tennessee Valley Authority
In addition to developing recreational facilities on the Bear Creek Lakes
that are completed or under construction, TVA is encouraged to continue its
cooperative efforts with State and local governments to provide high quality
recreational sites on TVA lakes. By making land available for facility
development, TVA can contribute to development of facilities that will
complement those already in service on TVA lands, such as State Parks,
access areas, National Wildlife Refuges, National Parkway, public shooting
areas, county and city parks, and private sites (boat docks, marinas, rental
cabin areas, motels, fishing resorts, camps, and multi-purpose recreational
areas). TVA land leased to the State for wildlife management areas should be
provided on a long-term basis so that long-run plans for development and use
can be carried out.
Other Federal Programs
Recreational assistance programs of such agencies as Department of
Housing and Urban Development, Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare, Department of Transportation, Small Business Administration,
Economic Development Administration, Appalachian Regional Commission,
Dingell-Johnson Act, Pittman-Robertson Act, Land and Water Conservation
Fund, Revenue Sharing, Community Development Block Grant Funds, and
others have played vital roles in Alabama's overall recreational developments.
It is suggested that these programs be continued. Further, there needs to be
much greater efforts by Federal educational agencies to acquaint people of
Alabama with recreational opportunities on Federal resources and the need
for resource conservation.
Guidelines for Federal Participation
The role of Federal government in implementing Alabama's outdoor
recreational plan should be on the basis of the following guidelines:
1. More financial and technical assistance should be provided State and
local governments within existing governmental structure.
2. Proposed Federal legislation providing for a share of Land and Water
Conservation Funds to be used for all-weather structures, especially for
indoor swimming pools, should be passed.
3. Federal legislation emphasizing conservation of natural resources in
harmony with the environment is needed. Most states will not pass strong
conservation legislation until there are Federal laws dealing with the subject.
4. Public Law 89-72 should be changed to reduce the requirement of local
participation in acquisition and development of land around old Corps of
Engineers lakes, such as Bankhead Lake.
[51]
5. More Federal funds should be made available to the State for hiring
additional staff to work in recreational assignments, such as technical
assistance, educational assistance programs in park and recreational training
by institutions of higher education, and environmental education at all school
grade levels and in adult educational programs.
ROLE OF STATE GOVERNMENT
Assuming that adequate land and water are available in Alabama for
unrestricted recreational growth to at least the year 2000 at an economic cost
within the ability of the public and private sectors, then the State has the
responsibility of acquiring and developing outdoor recreational facilities.
Development should be limited to those of statewide significance, or at least
of districtwide orientation in the case of some State Park developments.
Meeting future demands will require that the State provide sizeable increases
in State Parks, State Forests, wildlife management areas, natural and scenic
areas, fishing and recreational use lakes, wetlands, highway rest areas, historic
sites and landmarks, trails and bikeways, scenic waterways, public water
access, and open space areas. Efficient use of the State's limited
resources-and avoidance of unneeded duplication-calls for coordination
among State, Federal, local, and private sectors. The State should provide
adequate enabling legislation to allow local governments to make more
management decisions, including taxation, in operating resources within their
jurisdiction.
Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
State Parks Division
Although land is not the major need of the Parks Division, nor will it be by
1980, planning should continue to include land needs so that suitable sites
may be acquired when available. A "land needs master plan" projected to the
year 2000 should be made, designed to provide a total of 30 State Parks
properly distributed throughout the 12 districts. The master plan should
indicate parks needed by districts on the basis of population concentrations,
habits and desires of people, present and future road patterns, and various
land form factors. This plan would then become the guide for acquiring land
as well as for disposing of land already owned but improperly located. Five
specific recommendations concerning State Parks follow:
1. An annual State appropriation and funding of $3.5 million is needed,
along with all park earnings, to provide for day-to-day operation and
maintenance of all parks to be kept in the operational program. This annual
appropriation of $3.5 million amounts to only $1 per State resident. Any
reduction in this level of operational funding will result in costly deferred
maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment, a reduction in
recreational services, and a loss of park revenue.
2. A capital development fund of $5.0 million per year is needed-$3.5
million annual State appropriation and matching Federal funds of $1.5
million-to complete some parks and develop others now in operation.
3. Land acquisition funds should be made on a site-by-site basis to develop
new parks as needed. After 1985 when park bonds are retired with funds
from the earmarked cigarette tax, income from this tax source should be used
as a major land acquisition fund.
4. Larger year-round use should be made of State Parks through
development of cooperative programs with schools, handicapped and aged
groups, and other public groups for the day use of park resources.
5. A detailed study and analysis should be made to appraise the efficiency
of the State Parks system following major developments and operational
changes. This study should consider consumer satisfaction and recreational
experiences, management and personnel needs, and cost efficiency.
Game and Fish Division
More resources and services are needed to support the Game and Fish
Division's program of public fishing lakes, wildlife management areas, public
access areas, research, education, and law enforcement. An increase 
in
hunting and fishing license fees, along with making many exempt 
people
subject to buying licenses, is suggested as a source of needed funds. An annual
State appropriation is another possible source of funds.
Marine Resources Division
The State's important brackish and salt water resources for both sport 
and
commercial fishing must continue to receive protection through 
programs of
the Marine Resources Division. Its programs 
of research, education,
regulatory activities, and resource development, such as 
inshore and offshore
artificial reef development, are essential for best use 
of these resources. The
potential for aiding marine resource development is great 
but needs additional
funding. A salt water fishing license fee could provide this 
highly needed
source of income.
Water Safety Division
Protecting people against the consequences of their own 
carelessness has
always been a function of law enforcement, and the Water 
Safety Division
must continue this important work. The rapid growth 
of boating in recent
years has increased the need for enlarged programs 
of education and
enforcement to prevent personal injury and property damage. 
Since most of
the program functions of this Division are financed by 
boat license fees,
flexibility is needed so that fees charged could be changed 
by the Division to
enable programs to be enlarged and improved as needed without 
the. necessity
of legislative action.
[52]
Other Department Agencies
Other divisions or sections of the Department of Conservation and 
Natural
Resources, whose contributions to outdoor recreation 
will continue to be
important in the future, include the Outdoor Recreation 
Section, the Land
Division, and the support sections consisting 
of Legal, Personnel, Accounting,
and Engineering.
An organizational change would aid the Outdoor 
Recreation Section in its
job of administering the program of the Federal Land 
and Water Conservation
Fund. This responsibility includes administering grants to eligible agencies
and conducting a continuant planning program. The 
Section should be
divided into two branches-one to administer grants and 
the second to provide
for "in-house" planning as needed and for technical 
assistance to agencies and
organizations interested in such programs as long 
trail development, wild and
scenic rivers development, and natural and scenic areas 
protection. Technical
assistance should also be provided to all resource 
suppliers to assure that
future development will be in keeping with the Statewide 
Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Other State Agencies
Other agencies that must continue to serve their 
special function in future
Alabama recreational programs include the Alabama Forestry Commission,
the Alabama Highway Department, State Soil 
and Water Conservation
Committee, State Department of Education, State 
Health Department,
Bureau of Publicity and Information, Alabama Historical 
Commission, USS.
Alabama Battleship Commission, Fort Morgan Commission, 
Mound State
Monument, Cahaba Commission, LaGrange Historical 
Commission, Historic
Chattahoochee Commission, Gorgas Memorial Board, Richmond Pearson
Hobson Memorial Board, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, and
Tannehill Foundry and Furnace Commission (Tannehill Historic 
State Park).
Guidelines for State Participation
The State cannot do all that is needed in the area of outdoor 
recreation,
even though it has heavy responsibility. Therefore, 
care must be exercised to
assure that the State operates in appropriate 
areas, providing guidance,
leadership, educational opportunities, and innovative 
programs of coopera-
tion and coordination with other levels of 
government and the private sector.
Specific guidelines suggested are as follows:
1. State government should continue to encourage 
and expand outdoor
recreational opportunities, giving special attention 
to preserving natural areas,
developing and protecting rivers and streams,/ 
developing new State
recreational areas near urban centers of each district 
when needed, increasing
4-
YF r
212 CJFi j ~~
The battleship U.S.S. Alabama, flanked by military planes and guns and the
submarine U.S.S. Drum, is the focal point for tourists visiting the Mobile
area.
recreational programming, and expanding parks, coastal areas, forests, fish
and wildlife resources, and access areas.
2. State government should encourage Federal and local governments and
private enterprise to continue their share of the overall responsibility for
increasing recreational resources. Technical assistance, research, promotion,
and advertising helps should be provided as special encouragement to private
enterprise in development of profit making businesses such as campgrounds,
fishing lakes, swimming areas, marinas, golf course, lodges, hunting sites, and
facilities for spectator sports.
3. A statewide trails system should be developed, using cooperative
efforts of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Historic
Fort and Trails Council, Highway Department, Bureau of Travel and
Information, Federal and local governments, and interested individuals and
agencies. Coordination should be provided by a State Trails Advisory
Committee.
4. Adequate staff or contractual assistance should be provided through
the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to carry out the
functions and meet the planning needs identified in this Plan.
5. Adequate funds should be provided for the proper operation,
maintenance, and renovation as needed of existing outdoor recreational
facilities controlled by various State operating agencies.
6. Adequate technical assistance for local recreational agencies should be
furnished by State and Federal agencies, coordinated by the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources.
7. The State should assume a greater role in providing recreational
opportunities for inner-city residents, with the Parks Division having on-site
responsibility.
8. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources should
continue to improve opportunities for the handicapped at State Parks, fishing
lakes, and wildlife management areas.
9. The State should acquire and exercise certain controls over inland bays
and rivers, wetlands, and tidal areas to provide adequate public access without
destruction of the ecology of the areas.
10. Efficient use of State-owned land should be of primary concern.
Emphasis should be on development of large outdoor recreation and open
space systems and complexes, promotion of higher use of under-utilized
resources, and the filling-in of voids in present large State ownerships to make
them more complete and usable units. Multiple use of State and other
publicly-owned land, such as school grounds and highway rights-of-way for
recreational purposes, should be stressed.
11. Strong State control over dredging, filling, and bulkheading of wetlands
and tidal shorelines should be adopted and enforced.
12. Resource use should be regulated so that use will be compatible with
the welfare of the fish and wildlife resources, thereby protecting the status of
species populations, maximizing the consumptive enjoyment from game
species, and preserving the non-consumptive values of other species for
aesthetic and scientific purposes.
13. Proper coordination and cooperation among all State agencies, boards,
commissions, and departments involved with use and protection of natural
resources is a responsibility of State government.
14. State government should encourage lease-concession type arrangements
by private enterprise on State land where appropriate. The State should avoid
taking unfair advantage of private enterprise in the area of pricing and other
business practices.
15. The State's outdoor recreational planning program should consider the
needs and desires of all special interest groups, as well as the public at large,
by holding public hearings, conducting workshops, and forming an advisory
council that would include membership of all interested agencies, groups, or
persons.
0
A'
eUoi paioo o ls Mpcis m Ir l rc a;' , diid 1lto od 1' , in2 s r[ dAua pmeo; UofuiE'
of -the Stae Park system is Vnirded to rniat 6:rmands of 'the futrM
ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Two major requirements for filling local needs- (1) cooperation and
coordination and (2) the providing of more resources are reflected in
recommendations for local governments. (Local governments are defined as
those of Alabama's 417 incorporated cities, towns, and communities, 67
counties, and 128 public county and city school boards, plus agencies of local
governments that carry out independent recreational actions.)
Cooperation among all arms of local government in a county does not
mean that the county has to form a single countywide government. Rather, it
is the case of working together and sharing resources to provide a distribution
of recreational facilities where they are needed. In some cases this may mean
two cities or two different school boards working together, or cooperative
efforts of various combinations of county governments, governments of
incorporated places, and county and city school boards.
In most cases this cooperative action should be on a county basis, while in
some districts two or more counties will need to work together to fill their
needs. A districtwide approach may be best for certain needs, such as for a
large regional park. Regardless of the geographical area involved, cooperative
action can do much to develop recreational programs that are not being
provided because each form of government or school board is working
independently.
G u i o e i n o
Because of their local nature, local governments are in a position to know
of specific needs and desires. Therefore, they are best suited to make land use
plans, establish regulations, and implement open space and outdoor
recreational programs. Local governments have responsibilities in the overall
recreational programs of the State, of course, but they should be the major
supplier for certain resources, as noted in the following guidelines for local
action:
1. City and town governments should concentrate on neighborhood and
community needs for open 
space, school park playgrounds, 
sport fields,
playlots and playgrounds, and other resources located to meet specific needs.
2. County governments should focus on providing basic resources in
locations to serve the people they represent-those living outside incorporated
areas.
3. To make the first step towards a cooperative and unified program, a
countywide committee should be appointed to study the needs and
recommend a starting point that will eventually lead to a total program. Such
a committee could pave the way for cooperative efforts of governments and
school boards that could serve the entire county populations much 
better
than by independent action. Although independent action by cities and
lo~ &ocaB Pau~icipaQiow
and comniunity development funds for cities receiving such financing, and to
other type funds that can be used for special purposes such as recreational
facilities.
9. The necessity of visitor and participant safety programs and insurance to
cover claims and suits arising in the event of personal injury or property
damage to recreational users cannot be overlooked. This need was brought on
by the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that makes local governments
liable for claims. If regular types of insurance prove inadequate to cover the
risk, a cooperative effort of State and local governments may be necessary to
provide the required protection.
ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Previous research findings in Alabama emphasize that private enterprise
must be responsible for an increasing share of outdoor recreation in Alabama.
* ~ .:
-, tI. -1
This pier with its yacht club and fishing and swimming opportunities helps
serve the recreational needs of citizens of Fairhope and tourists from through-
out the United States who visit the Gulf Coast - Mobile Bay area.
counties can effectively serve needs in certain areas and situations, it is
generally true that the cooperative approach can accomplish more with less
cost.
4. As soon as basic needs are provided, consideration should be given to
developing other type facilities, such as a countywide park or a district or
regional park developed by several counties to serve a larger area.
5. Local governments should consider greater use of flood 
plains for
selected recreational facilities, with proper planning and zoning controls.
6. A professional staff is needed for best recreational programs, but only
the larger cities can afford this type help. However, cooperative recreational
programs of all agencies in a county could make possible the hiring of
professional help on a county basis.
7. Local governments should seek needed technical assistance from the
various sources available. One source of help would be the regional planning
and development commissions, which have study results and experience that
could be helpful.
8. Recreational financing should get equal consideration as for financing
other services. Special consideration should be given to use of revenue sharing
Bellingrath Gardens, near Mobile, is a place of beauty at any season of the
year, but when azaleas are in bloom it can only be described as spectacular.
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4. The private sector should use the 1975 Plan and updated materials as
they become available from the Department of Conservation and Natural
: -~ - ~ Resources to aid their planning and development during the next 5 years. All
other available technical assistance also should be used to best advantage.
' 
"  
5. Many private suppliers of outdoor recreational resources are involved in
"- g ~ multiple use of resources, such as the wood-using industries' cooperation with
hunting groups or clubs and Alabama Power Company's use of land and water
S ", Iresources in cooperation with government, private agencies, and individuals,
, .; that make a large contribution to outdoor recreation. Cooperation and
coordination between these resource suppliers and State planning could make
L , ~ these resources even more valuable.
-%_540PRIORITIES FOR USING 
LAND AND
S' WATER CONSERVATION FUNDS
Since the needs developed for 1980 must be provided on a "piece meal"
basis rather than in one inclusive development, priorities have been
Golfing is an activity that can be provided by either government or private
industry, but country clubs and other private facilities are major suppliers
across the State.
The wave pool at Point Mallard Park, Decatur, is just one feature of this
recreational facility that offers unusual opportunities for recreationists. .'..
In addition to facilities and resources that should be furnished by the private .
sector, private businesses under certain conditions can operate selected , !a - ,s5 .1 -.
resources in the larger parks and recreational areas furnished by governments. o' -, , -
As private enterprise expands its operations, the following suggestions should 
-
be considered: -
1. Private enterprise should join the public sector in an emphasis on -
recreational operations and developments that provide a quality experience i
for the user.
2. Some organization and cooperation may be needed by operators of J_.
similar type recreational businesses. For example, the 864 farm operators ..
who offer public fee pond fishing have unique problems that are different
from those facing operators of golf courses, fish camps, or other type 
_a _f
facilities. Thus, organized efforts might be useful. On the other hand, a
statewide organization of recreational site operators could help in such areas
as legislative needs, advertising and promotion, public relations, and
vandalism control problems.
3. Should such commodity organizations as fish pond supplier associations
be formed, they should develop and adapt rules of operation and quality
standards that would be beneficial to themselves and the public they serve.
established to guide the selection of projects to be funded with Land and
Water Conservation Funds. Basic guidelines that are applicable statewide are
listed:
1. Although development needs exceed land needs, land acquisition should
be given priority over facility construction for (1) urban built-up areas or
growing urban areas, (2) land on the Gulf of Mexico and on large lakes and
reservoirs, (3) land near the interstate highway system, (4) land needed to
expand existing sites, (5) land needed for new high priority development
sites, and (6) land in ecologically sensitive areas.
2. Land on large bodies of water should receive priority over land on small
bodies of water or more remote inland areas.
3. Multiple-purpose resources are preferred over single-purpose resources
because of the potential for greater utilization by recreationists.
4. High density use developments like playgrounds should be given priority
over less used sites, such as zoos or botanical gardens, especially in urban
centers.
5. When developing sites, large land areas should be given priority over
small areas so that adequate land will be available for future expansion.
6. Access facilities that can support some recreational use themselves
should be constructed ahead of use facilities. For example, access areas to a
lake or reservoir can be used by fishermen and boaters even if no other
facilities are available.
7. Facilities for protection and management of a site should be constructed
ahead of user facilities where needed.
District priorities should be related to both population and resource needs.
Districts 3, 8, and 9 have the largest population concentrations, followed by
District 12 and District 4. Although no overall district priority is suggested,
decisions on development should be made on the basis of number of people
to be served and locally available resources. Small Alabama towns that
provide no public recreation at present should be encouraged to make a
modest beginning. The people-supply ratio should be used in determining
priority among city size groups. Since larger cities have greater numbers of
handicapped people to serve, construction of facilities for these people should
get special consideration in choosing among applications for Land and Water
Conservation Funds.
Fund requests for LWCF money will likely exceed available funds for the
next 5 years. It is recommended that approximately 40 to 60 percent of
available money be used for State agency projects, with the remainder used as
follows:
1. To complete projects previously approved for political subdivisions.
2. For land acquisition of political subdividions in accordance with land
priorities previously explained.
3. For facility development on projects where land and water acreage had
been acquired through Land and Water Conservation Funds.
4. For all other eligible project applications.
2_~ ~ - ~~
Pottery hanging on a line provides an appropriate background for photo-
graphing a craftsman at the annual Horse Pens 40 festival, a craft show and
music festival held atop a mountain where Indians once corralled their
ponies.
5. Programs for handicapped persons might be an exception to the above
criteria.
LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD BE PASSED
Because adequate legal protection and assistance are necessary for success
of any recreational program, recommendations for needed Alabama
legislation are presented in this separate section. Eleven specific
recommendations are listed below:
1.Define the State's responsibility in recreation, tourism, beautification,
natural resource use and protection, waste disposal, outdoor conservation
education, and water, air, and land pollution.
2. Provide for an Alabama open space program.
3. Create a heritage trust program to encourage and facilitate citizen
participation in preserving Alabama's natural and historic heritage.
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4. Provide State programs for developing and preserving 
scenic rivers,
wilderness areas, trails systems, and ecologically sensitive areas.
5. Establish a technical assistance program for reclaiming land strip mined
prior to October 1, 1970.
6. Provide for use of selected police powers by the State in protecting
natural resource areas, scenic areas, some park areas, access areas, fish and
wildlife areas, and water use areas.
7. Set appropriate limitations on use of condemnation powers granted to
public utility companies.
8. Assure right of public access to all State-owned land related to navigable
streams and tidal waters.
9. Encourage further development of outdoor environmental education
and nature interpretation programs for people of all ages.
10. Provide for a limitation of tortuous liability claims for landowners to
protect those not regularly engaged in the recreation business from civil siAts
in case a person using their land is injured. The act should require landowners
to furnish reasonable warning of unsafe or hazardous conditions. This would
require some revision to an existing law (Volume 10, Chapter 12, Sections
281-285 of the 1973 Cumulative Supplement).
11. Allow local governments to develop a wide variety of recreational
programs and policies, including countywide recreation boards, joint
recreation boards, cooperative facility arrangements, 
cooperative purchasing,
contractual services, and establishment of taxes to fund programs if voted for
by local people involved. Provisions also should be made for all subdivision
development to have open spaces for public recreational sites.
Summary
Status of recreation in Alabama can best be described as one of 
contrasts,
based on detailed demand and supply studies made in developing the
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for 1975. For example,
the State's recreational industry was shown to be big, but it needs to be
bigger; the quality of resources available is good, but not 
good enough;
demand for recreational services has grown in the past, but the future growth
will be at a faster pace; governmental financing has increased in recent 
years,
but more consistent funding is needed for the future; governmental and
private agencies and individuals have been working together 
in recent years,
but even greater cooperation and coordination of efforts will be needed to
meet future needs.
There's no doubt that Alabama has the natural resources to support an
outstanding recreational program to satisfy needs of the State's population
and to attract tourists and other out-of-state recreationists. The highly
variable topography stretching from the mountains and valleys of northern
Alabama to the Gulf of Mexico guarantees an area to please almost any 
whim,
and the wealth of associated natural and man-made resources provides
opportunities for widely varying recreational activities.
Importance of recreation as an economic factor cannot be overlooked,
either. Expenditures for recreation and tourism were reported to total $846
million in 1975, but are expected to reach $1.4 billion by 1980.
Interest of Alabamians and out-of-state visitors in recreation is illustrated
by data showing more than 500 million activity occasions in 1973, an average
of 126 for each person in the State during that year. But the projected
growth between now and the year 2000 points up the tremendous need for
expansion of the State's recreational supply, and focuses on this report's
theme of "Implementing the Alabama Recreation Plan." Projected figures for
1980 show a 20 percent jump in recreational participation in Alabama, to a
total of more than 600 million occasions. But a further increase of 56
percent-to nearly 1 billion activity occasions-is forecast for the year 2000.
While Alabama has made substantial improvement in quality and quantity
of recreational resources in recent years, the tremendous demand forecast for
the years ahead makes it imperative that development work be accelerated.
At the same time that facility development is needed, there is a comparable
need for efforts to assure protection and enhancement of the environment in
association with all development.
Combined efforts of all levels of government and private enterprise, the
combination that pushed Alabama to an all-time high in resource supply, is
called for in the future. A big need shown is for coordination of efforts by all
agencies and individuals involved to provide an increasing number and variety
of facilities and programs, eliminate short term problems, and solve economic
difficulties. The Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
can serve as a guide for this development, giving specific recommendations for
each governmental or private agency, but the job of implementing the plan is
left to various levels of government and private enterprise. Each involved
agency must accept its responsibility to fill a specific role if the overall job is
to be completed in time to meet the fast approaching needs projected for
1980 and 2000.
Additional information about Alabama's recreation, including details
contained in the full Statewide Plan, is available from Outdoor Recreation
Section, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64
North Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Outdoor Recreation Section of the Alabama Department 
of
Conservation and Natural Resources and Auburn University acknowledge the
cooperation of the following agencies, organizations, and individuals who
provided valuable assistance by furnishing various kinds of data and
information for this study. Their efforts contributed significantly to the 1975
Alabama Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
USDI Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Southeast Region
USDI National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USDA Forest Service
USDA Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Defense, Military Bases in Alabama
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile and Savannah Districts
Tennessee Valley Authority
Alabama Cooperative Extension Service
All Divisions of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources
Alabama Htighway Department
Alabama Historical Commission
Alabama Development Office
Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee
Community Service Council, Inc., of Birmingham
Other Southeastern State Recreational Planners
Many local government officials throughout the State, too numerous to
mention by name
Many private companies, clubs, and individuals who provided both
demand data and supply information
PHOTO CREDITS. Photographs for this publication were supplied by the
following:
Alabama Power Company
Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station
Barr and Tune Associates
Bureau of Publicity and Information
Cloudmont Resort
Parks Division, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Recreation Department, City of Auburn
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District
USDA Soil Conservation Service
FRONT COVER. Luxury of the motel and con-
vention center and the enjoyable fishing pier
combine with the natural beauty of the Gulf
beach to provide a focal point for the outstand-
ing Gulf State Park, at Gulf Shores.
BACK COVER. Children at play in a small
park in the middle of Birmingham and skiiers
on a snow slope at Cloudmont Resort, near
Mentone, illustrate the wide range of recre-
ational opportunities available in Alabama.
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