The Forever Wild Land Trust announces that the M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area in Hale County will be open for fishing to families and small groups on several Saturdays in upcoming months. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 334-624-9952 starting Monday, April 17, 2017. Two catfish and three bass and bream ponds are scattered around the property.
“We feel like having a family or group of friends make reservations is a good way to ensure that everyone has a safe, fun outing,” said Bill Mason, property manager “We would particularly like to see youth have the opportunity to fish in these ponds.”
When reservations are made, each group will be assigned a pond along with details such as creel limits and what kind of tackle to bring. Ponds will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no cost to anglers, but anyone between the ages of 16 and 64 is required to have a fishing license. Fishing licenses are available online at www.outdooralabama.com/licenses.
Fishing will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
- June 10
- June 24
- July 8
- July 22
- August 5
- August 19
The M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trail Area consists of 3,340 acres of pasture and a mixture of pine-hardwood forest purchased by the Forever Wild Land Trust in 2008. Historically, the property, known as the “State Cattle Ranch,” was a working cattle ranch and catfish farm operated by the Department of Corrections. The land is now being used as a Nature Preserve and Recreation Area with scheduled field trials and opportunities for hunting and fishing.
If Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations are needed, please contact Doug Deaton at 334-242-3484 or [email protected]. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled event.
The Forever Wild Land Trust was established by constitutional amendment in 1992 and reauthorized in 2012. Funding for this program is generated by the interest earned from offshore natural gas royalties deposited into the Alabama Trust Fund. For more information on Forever Wild, visit. www.alabamaforeverwild.com.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
