ADCNR Wins Governor’s Tourism Award

 The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) received the 2025 Governor’s Tourism Award for its contribution to Alabama’s burgeoning tourism industry. ADCNR’s Essential for Alabama: Outdoor Recreation Expansion Program report highlights what Commissioner Blankenship and former Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos, who was recently named head of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, have accomplished in recent years, including the procurement of funding for a variety of projects to enhance the outdoor experience for residents and attract visitors. More than $400 million has been dedicated to public access and outdoor recreation projects under their leadership. This expansion program was created to address the increasing interest and participation in outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, shooting sports, hiking, mountain biking, paddling and boating. Alabama State Parks has $228 million in projects underway or completed, including upgrades at DeSoto, Lake Guntersville, Gulf, Meaher, Monte Sano, Wind Creek, Rickwood, Joe Wheeler, Oak Mountain and Lakepoint state parks. Several completed projects include the rebuilding of the Gulf State Park Pier and new cabins on Lake Shelby at Gulf State Park.