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Gov. Siegelman Announces Alabama Bass Trail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carrie Kurlander
DATE: Oct. 21, 2000
(334)242-7150
Gov. Siegelman Announces Alabama Bass Trail
Five Sites Targeted to Boost Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Mobile - Gov. Don Siegelman today
announced the creation of the
Alabama Bass Trail which will allow the state to support local efforts in
attracting major revenue producing tournaments, while building and
maintaining better facilities for Alabama licensed anglers. The State will
partner with angler organizations, such as B.A.S.S., Inc. as well as local
government officials in developing the Trail.
"Alabama's natural resources and
beauty are second to none, and the
Alabama Bass Trail will provide us with yet another opportunity to showcase
to the world what this great state has to offer," Siegelman said.
"The
establishment of the Alabama Bass Trail is the most practical way to
enhance our economic impact and to draw national attention to our natural
treasures while improving our facilities and fisheries.
"I invite anglers everywhere to experience firsthand what Alabama has to
offer."
The Alabama Bass Trail is made up of
five sites from throughout the
state, including Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Lake Guntersville
State Park in Guntersville, Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City,
Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula and the Tensaw Delta in Mobile.
Bass fishing is a $72 billion
industry in the United States, and
the creation of the Alabama Bass Trail will create a greater opportunity to
attract major bass tournaments to Alabama.
"Hunting and fishing sales in
Alabama account for some $60 million
for the Alabama General Fund, and this renewed focus on bass fishing should
increase license sales and assist greatly in many conservation goals," said
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Riley
Boykin Smith.
Infrastructure for the trail will
serve to support and facilitate
national, regional, state and local tournaments.
"I can't think of a more
appropriate place for us to mark this
historic occasion," added Helen Sevier, chief executive officer of
Montgomery-based B.A.S.S., Inc. "With the 600,000 member Bass Angler
Sportsman Society born and raised in Alabama, I applaud the governor. His
is the first administration to reach out and embrace this home grown, yet
globally popular sport."
For further information regarding the
Alabama Bass Trail, contact
the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at
(334)242-3486.
Chris Murray
Communications Coordinator
B.A.S.S., Inc. Communications
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