Construction is complete on the new fishing pier at Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, Alabama. In 2009, the existing pier was extended by 125 feet, doubling the available fishing space. The new section is 200 feet long and is adjacent to the original pier behind the park office.
The new pier complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and was constructed primarily to facilitate exceptional anglers events, which provide fishing opportunities for special needs students in Shelby and Jefferson counties. An official dedication ceremony will take place in 2012 prior to the exceptional anglers event “Gone Fishin’ Not Just Wishin’,” which was canceled this year due to severe weather.
Jerry Moss, Fisheries Biologist with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and Exceptional Anglers event coordinator, said this project will benefit countless special needs students as well as visitors to the park just looking for a good fishing spot.
“This pier solves a problem we’d been faced with for years, lots of kids and not enough space for them to have a quality fishing experience,” Moss said. “Add to that the fact that everyone can enjoy the pier and it’s just a win-win for everyone.”
The new pier will be available to park anglers when not reserved for educational fishing and community events. A valid fishing license is required and creel limits must be observed. Fishing licenses are available from the park office, various retailers around the state or from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, www.outdooralabama.com.
To learn more about Oak Mountain State Park visit www.alapark.com/oakmountain
source: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
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