November 10, 2010

The year 1935 was a milestone in the field of natural resource conservation in Alabama. While the economy was still reeling from the financial blows of the Great Depression, Alabama’s natural resources were suffering from ignorant misuse and abuse. The cry for conservation was one of desperation. Fortunately, the right people were listening - people who were passionate about the outdoors and promoting the wise use of Alabama’s wildlife, forests, fish, soils, water, and air. These forward thinking individuals answered the call for conservation and formed the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF).
 
They were simply hunters and fishermen with a cause - they wanted their children to share the connection to the land that they enjoyed and they knew that someone had to step up. These early sportsmen laid the foundation for AWF - the state’s oldest and largest citizen’s conservation organization.
 
The Early Days
The first Board of Directors of the AWF included: Dr. Walter Jones of Tuscaloosa, President; T.A. Smith of Cullman, North Vice President; John L. Hollis of Verbena, Central Vice President; Dr. E.V. Stabler of Greenville, South Vice President; Kenneth Miller of Montgomery, Treasurer; Tom Ford of Mobile, Secretary; Fred T. Stimpson, Mobile; Sidney Gessenheimer, Montgomery; G.M. Edwards, Union Springs; R.C. Porter, Kellyton; Belton V. Hunt, Boaz; Dr. H. Moran Fuller, Centerville; W.W. Beasley, Carrolton; Dr. George L. Austin, Stevenson; and Dr. J.P. McQueen, Birmingham.
 
The first issue resolution on record is one expressing support for a bill to require rod and reel fishermen, or users of artificial bait, to purchase a one dollar annual fishing license.  The proceeds from this license were designed to support the fisheries resource through the work of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).  Early conservation initiatives included efforts to support and encourage restocking of fish in public waters, propagation of quail, study of dove, quail, and deer populations, and efforts to restore the eastern wild turkey.
 
In these early days, AWF worked for fundamental yet critical efforts like statewide stock laws so that forest and wildlife habitats could thrive and the rehabilitation of deer and turkey populations across Alabama through restocking efforts.  These same leaders worked with legislators and ADCNR officials to establish game and fish laws and regulations, to increase the funding for game wardens and wildlife programs, and a host of other key legislative and policy development measures.
 
AWF was totally run by volunteers up until 1953 when Charles Kelly was hired as the first Executive Director and office space was secured in the rear of an office supply store in Montgomery.  Over the next few decades, AWF worked diligently to help restore and expand huntable populations of game animals across the state, to develop laws and policy for the benefit of those populations, and to increase ADCNR finances, staffing, and abilities to carry out their mandates to restore, protect, and manage the wildlife resources of our state.  During this time AWF also began to develop a broader involvement in wildlife conservation issues that addressed wildlife habitat protection.  Of particular significance was AWF’s effort to defeat a high dam proposed by the Corps of Engineers that would have flooded tens of thousands of acres of river bottom habitat in southwest Alabama, the establishment of the AWF Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards, launch of the Operation GameWatch Program, and obtaining support and funding for construction of public boat launches.
 
The Recent Years
After key involvement in the early to mid 1980’s with efforts to ban the use of DDT, helping create the Non-Game Wildlife Check-off on state tax returns, and playing a key role in negotiations that yielded three million dollars of oil lease money to fill more than thirty Game Warden positions, AWF continued to grow and secured an office building in 1987 on Commerce Street in downtown Montgomery.  AWF remained focused on Conservation Education, Resource Stewardship, and promoting our Hunting and Angling Heritage and made additional gains in these arenas in the late 80’s and early 90s.
 
The William R. Ireland, Sr. Youth Wildlife Art Contest began in 1988 to increase students knowledge about Alabama wildlife and their habitats while also engaging them in the arts.  In 1991 AWF was a key player in the passage of Saltwater Fishing License Bill to fund the Marine Resources Division of ADCNR.  And in 1992, AWF played a leadership role in the passage of legislation and the constitutional amendment that established the Forever Wild Program.
 
In the late 90’s AWF formed the Alabama Black Bear Alliance, launched the AWF Distinctive License Plate, completed the high quality book Managing Wildlife, and secured the 12,000 acre Clearwater Tract in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. During this time as well, rolled out our Land Stewardship Assistance Program and for the first time in our history, provided a wildlife biologist to assist private landowners with wildlife habitat and land management planning.  It was also at this time that AWF began to see the need for addressing conservation education more significantly.
 
With a full complement of programs in each of our fundamental focus areas, the AWF Board then laid the groundwork for taking a lead role in educating youth and adults about the important balance between use, management, and protection of our outdoor resources.  With the success of AWF’s Discovering Our Heritage Program and the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program – programs specifically designed to work with students and teachers in the classroom and on school grounds – the AWF Board wanted to develop a place where we could provide real-world, hands-on outdoor experiences.
 
In 2003, thanks to the generosity of the Hill Family, AWF was given the opportunity to relocate our state headquarters at Lanark and begin fulfilling the vision for a world-class outdoor education facility for youth and adults.  After a multi-million dollar fundraising effort, Phase I of the Alabama Nature Center was completed in 2007.  In the three years since the grand opening, more than 52,000 visitors have joined us at our facilities at Lanark – and over 30,000 have been youth and school group attendees participating in our planned outdoor education activities.
 
Reflections
AWF Past President Jeff McCollum (1994-1995) recalls the transformation that AWF has undergone from having an initial focus primarily on game and fish to a full-fledged, comprehensive organization with the capacity to address conservation in all arenas. “AWF started initially as committed people who enjoyed the outdoors and were interested in developing needed hunting laws and seasons and bag limits to protect game animal and game fish resources. Now the organization addresses those same needs while also serving as a leader in conservation education and the broader context of natural resource conservation. Today, AWF has matured into a well-run, well-staffed organization functioning on all different levels and providing services throughout the state.”
 
As we reflect on AWF’s accomplishments over the past 75 years, it is important to note that our endeavors are an extension of the fundamental mission and purpose of the organization.  It is also critical that we understand that people are the foundation of AWF.  Only through the cooperative efforts of an enlightened people across the state can we achieve AWF’s mission. As an AWF member, you directly contribute to the cause through your involvement in conservation issues on the local level and through the commitment of your time, talents, and monetary resources to our organization.  Some of the major achievements of AWF exhibit exactly that.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the accomplishments in the recent past.
 
Delta Land Purchase
In May 1999, AWF partnered with the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust (AFWLT) and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to purchase approximately 50,000 contiguous acres in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.  Of most note regarding the land deal is the method by which the AWF rose to the occasion on a moment's notice to insure that an attempt to purchase the Delta Lands on behalf of present and future generation of Alabamians could take place.  AWF purchased the 12,000 acre Clearwater Tract and held it until the Forever Wild Program could arrange for funding to buy it and place it in the Forever Wild Land Trust.
 
AWF Past President Bo Starke (1997-2000) recalls the initial discussions regarding the purchase. “Riley Smith called me one night in 1999 and asked AWF to assist Forever Wild in purchasing 12,000 acres in the Delta. My first question was ‘How?’ About two hours later, Ray Petty, the local South Trust president, called and said he would provide the necessary $6,000,000 loan. Matt Bowden spent full time on the documents and we were having constant board meeting conference calls.  We were still working the morning of the bid in Riley Smith’s office with the Department of Conservation attorneys. Because of the combined efforts of committed AWF Directors, members, and supporters, we were successful and the rest is history.”
 
Land Stewardship Assistance Program
One of AWF’s programs that helps put wildlife and forestry research into practice is the Land Stewardship Assistance program. In 1999, AWF began providing a wildlife biologist to assist landowners with habitat management planning on their forests and fields.  Since inception, land management recommendations have been provided to more than 700 landowners covering almost one million acres of land in Alabama.
Frank Rushing of Dayton, Alabama, has benefited greatly from the Land Stewardship Assistance Program. Rushing is planting 100 acres of longleaf pine in previously occupied fescue pasture, along with native warm season grasses, for the benefit of all wildlife.  “The service AWF has provided through the Land Stewardship Assistance program has been invaluable. AWF will keep us as members forevermore.  AWF is an incredible conservation group.”
 
Wildlife Seminar Series
AWF has also promoted resource stewardship, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation through our Wildlife Seminar Series.  Since 1999, the Wildlife Seminar Series has given the public an opportunity to further their wildlife knowledge through seminar topics such as deer, quail, and turkey management, dove management and regulations, managing backyard wildlife habitat, wildlife photography, prescribed burning, longleaf management, and many other topics.
As part of the Wildlife Seminar Series, Rushing attended a certified burn workshop at AWF in 2007. “It was an incredible workshop. We are still implementing the prescribed burn techniques today on our property.”
Bobby Jennings of Lafayette, Alabama, manages 1,800 acres on several farms in Tallapoosa County.  Jennings recalls the transformation his management scheme has taken since he started 35 years ago.
“In 1975, I had no concept of wildlife management. I planted for pine timber only. I came back years later and realized the importance of managing for wildlife, especially deer, turkeys and quail. I called on AWF for help through their Land Stewardship Assistance program.  From the help received, I began to control hardwood sprouts under pine canopies and have followed that recipe of prescribed burning and herbicide treatments for the last 10 to 12 years, and it has worked very well.  The Landowner Assistance Program is a great program that I have enjoyed utilizing.”
 
Managing Wildlife
An additional educational tool AWF uses to reach landowners is Managing Wildlife, a 600-page hardback book outlining responsible land management practices that can be employed by landowners and land managers to promote abundant and healthy wildlife populations.  Managing Wildlife was prepared in a manner that makes it a valuable teaching tool for junior high school levels and higher.  In 2000, AWF completed donation of one copy to every junior high school, senior high school, college, and public library in Alabama. Additionally, several universities across the Southeast use this text as part of their wildlife curriculum. In total, over 10,000 copies of Managing Wildlife are in circulation today.
“None of us realized the magnitude of this project,” says Bo Starke regarding the publication of Managing Wildlife. “It was a major stepping stone and a huge success.”
 
Alabama Wildlife Magazine
To keep members abreast of current events and the latest research, AWF produces Alabama Wildlife, AWF’s quarterly magazine devoted to informing its members of organizational activities, wildlife and related natural resource issues, and how-to information for improving wildlife habitat. First named Alabama Out-of-Doors, this magazine has been keeping AWF members enlightened since 1961.
 
Alabama Black Bear Alliance
AWF is also instrumental in supporting awareness of nongame wildlife through programs such as the Alabama Black Bear Alliance, an initiative to promote voluntary conservation of the black bear in south Alabama through education, research and habitat management. Through a telemetry study of black bears in southwest Alabama in 1997, AWF captured and released eighteen Alabama bears after fitting them with telemetry collars.  Through this study we have documented the condition, movements, and preferred habitats of black bears in southwest Alabama.  This knowledge and information has helped support efforts to assist landowners and resource managers with incorporating bear habitat improvements in their management practices and to raise awareness and enlist public support for bear conservation efforts.
 
Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards
Since 1970, AWF has honored individuals who have made a significant impact in the field of conservation. AWF’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards are the most prestigious conservation awards in the state. The awards are presented each year to individuals and organizations that make outstanding contributions to the conservation of our wildlife and related natural resources.  Known as the most prestigious conservation awards in Alabama, through the program AWF recognizes leadership by example and in turn inspires even greater conservation accomplishments across the state.
 
Operation GameWatch
Operation GameWatch represents the mechanism by which responsible hunters and anglers target and fight the illegal practices used by poachers. Since 1983, the program has offered a toll-free hotline (1-800-272-GAME) for reporting poaching and game violations.  In addition to the hotline, AWF also pays cash rewards through Operation GameWatch to individuals who provide the critical information that leads to the arrest and conviction of poachers.
 
AWF Wild Game Cook-offs
The sixteen AWF Wild Game Cook-offs held annually across the state serve as an opportunity for AWF members to interact and a venue for new members to get to know AWF better.  The Cook-offs are also a tool for raising funds to support our conservation programs, and demonstrate that responsible hunters and anglers properly utilize the game and fish that they harvest.  Cook team members agree that the AWF Wild Game Cook-off’s are a great way to educate the general public about wild game as a healthy food source, while at the same time highlighting AWF’s conservation work.
 
Burlin Findley in south Alabama, has participated in our Wild Game Cook-offs in Covington and Monroe Counties for the past five years. His cook team, Wild Boar Cookers, has been delighting the taste buds of cook-off attendees with a wide variety of wild game that Burlin and his friends harvest themselves, including catfish, deer, alligator, and wild turkey.
 
“I first heard about the cook-offs while working at a radio station in Evergreen,” Findley says. “We went the first time for fun and actually won. The thing I enjoy most is getting to meet a lot of people. It really gets the word out to the public of what the cook-offs are all about and what AWF is all about.”
 
Conservation Education
Dr. Jeff McCollum elevated conservation education at AWF to priority status during his term as president because of the influence he knew it could have on his own children. “I wanted them to be informed and make good decisions. By getting the conservation education programs set up, we were getting our foot in the door at schools. We had genuine input into the lives of children and could make a true impact on education and the outdoors in Alabama.”
 
In 1995, AWF worked with Dr. Doug Phillips and Discovering Alabama to develop the Discovering Our Heritage program to address teachers’ understanding of conservation and environmental concepts. This program focuses on providing teaching tools that emphasize the importance of making responsible, informed decisions and encourages hands-on, minds-on teaching methods. AWF Teacher Training Workshops were developed in concert with Discovering Our Heritage to provide educators with the training necessary to efficiently and effectively integrate natural resources and conservation into the teaching of math, science, social studies, and language arts.  Based on the success of the Discovering Our Heritage program, AWF expanded its outreach to schools across the state by establishing the Alabama Outdoor Classroom program. Modeled after the National Wildlife Federation’s Schoolyard Habitat Program, this statewide initiative has seen tremendous growth over the past few years in the number of participating schools.  Enrollment has grown from 25 to more than 250 public and private schools across Alabama.  April Waltz, AWF Outdoor Classroom Program Coordinator, notes that “The growth in AWF’s conservation education programs has been nothing short of amazing.”
 
Teachers and students alike have enjoyed the invaluable learning opportunities that the Alabama Outdoor Classroom has provided.  Lisa Shaw, special education teacher at Carrollton Elementary School in Pickens County, considers the project to be the ideal method to teach students habitat care and maintenance and increase their commitment to resource stewardship. “Our outdoor classroom takes learning beyond the four walls and improves the students’ sensory awareness as well as their appreciation of their environment and natural resources. The project facilitates the laboratory necessary to engage students in learning about our natural resources - graphing rainfall, identifying a food web, learning about wetlands, plant and tree identification, and the importance of wildlife habitat,” Shaw says.
 
Perhaps the most iconic achievement AWF has made in the conservation education arena has been the creation of the Alabama Nature Center at Lanark.  Bo Starke excitedly recalls the pioneering program that started it all. “Conservation education has always been important to AWF. When Dr. Jeff McCollum became involved with Dr. Doug Phillips, things really kicked-off. This was the beginning of where we are today in the conservation education arena. While Dr. McCollum and Dr. Phillips were working on our Conservation Education program, I set out to find a place for a nature center, and we were blessed with Lanark. I believe this is one of the finest things to happen to AWF.”
 
Through the efforts of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Hill Family, a not-for-profit entity known as the AWF Isabel and Wiley Hill Conservation Education Center (AWF-IWH CEC) was formed in 2002. The Lanark Estate was conveyed to the AWF-IWH CEC to provide for long-term stewardship of the property and to facilitate development of an outdoor education facility that is now known as the Alabama Nature Center.
AWF Past President Daniel Powell (1996-97) refers to the creation of the Alabama Nature Center as AWF’s most noteworthy accomplishment. “By far, the most significant achievement of AWF has been the addition of Lanark, thanks to the Hill family, and the Alabama Nature Center.  It has taken our Conservation Education programs to another level.”
 
AWF Past President Lee Thuston (2008-09) agrees. “This accomplishment is allowing AWF to expand our efforts to connect people to the outdoors.”
 
Phase I of the Alabama Nature Center provides five miles of trails and boardwalks along with a new 4,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion that enable AWF to provide high quality, outdoor learning experiences to both you and adults.  The Alabama Nature Center is a planned-use outdoor education facility offering hands-on, nature-based educational programs and activities for students, educators, church and civic groups, and the general public.

 “The Alabama Nature Center is simply awesome,” Starke says. “Phase I provides more educational opportunities for students and adults than we ever imagined. I’m proud to be a part of this, and it fires me up even more to see it come to life.”
 
Through programs such as Lanark Field Days, Expedition Lanark Summer Day Camp, and General Public Weekends, the Alabama Nature Center provides an ideal outdoor classroom for students, teachers and the general public eager to increase their knowledge of natural resources. Through these programs, young and old are introduced to woods, water and wildlife in a way that is both engaging and educational.
 
Dr. Doug Phillips, realized the impact it would have on Alabama’s youth. “The Alabama Nature Center will help reach thousands more students in a manner most meaningful—through first-hand learning connected directly to the real world.”
 
Unparalleled Passion
From AWF’s revolutionary resource stewardship to its rich hunting and angling heritage to its zealous quest for conservation education, we have worked diligently and collectively for 75 years to promote natural resource conservation.  The foundation was laid, and the mission was made in 1935. Thanks to the dedicated leadership and hard-working membership, AWF’s vision is still strong. AWF continues to be the lead conservation organization in Alabama empowered by an engaged, enlightened membership with programs that promote conservation education, direct conservation and stewardship of natural resources, and Alabama’s hunting and angling heritage.
 
“It has become the organization we all hoped it would,” says AWF Past President Riley Boykin Smith (2006-08). “Our membership is good, strong, and committed. We are financially sound and are able to make a difference. Our Board has a passion for conservation and natural resources that is unparalleled.”
McCollum attributes AWF’s success to its leadership and vision. “Our capable staff helps AWF thrive. We have the foundation and the team to accomplish what we set out to accomplish. We are able to cover more ground with both width and depth of expertise. We now have skilled people in multiple arenas responding to more issues.”
 
It is that perfect blend of passion and perseverance that makes the people of AWF the backbone of the organization. That daily devotion to the mission is what promises a high quality of life for future generations of Alabamians. Now let’s start writing together, the next 75 years of AWF history.