By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Wednesday, December 9, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced that December will be the last issue of Outdoor Alabama. The agency blamed budget cuts passed on to them by the State legislature.
In a statement on Facebook the popular hunting and fishing magazine announced, “We are very sorry to announce that Outdoor Alabama magazine is ceasing publication with the December 2015 issue. Current subscribers will receive the December calendar issue later this month. A letter with refund options for subscribers should arrive in mailboxes soon.”
Outdoor Alabama continued: “Although the magazine was never intended to make a profit, the department offered it as a service to those who supported our agency and its mission. Unfortunately, budget cuts to our agency by the Legislature during recent years make us unable to continue the publication.”
The magazine was first published in 1929 and called Alabama Game and Fish News, then the name changed to Alabama Conservation in 1940 and then Outdoor Alabama in 1995.
The State promised to still conduct the 2016 photo contest.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources also cut four state parks, reportedly due to budget cuts to the State General Fund budget in the 2015 legislative session.
Paul M. Grist State Park reopened on Saturday December 5, under Dallas County management.
Buck’s Pocket State Park was made unmanned and closed its campgrounds on November 15.
On October 16, Florala State Park was transferred to the City of Florala.
Bladon Springs, Chickasaw, and Roland Cooper State Parks all remain closed.
