Press Release

Open Woods Days Scheduled on Sipsey River Swamp Recreation Area

June 13, 2005

The Alabama State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announces that June 25, July 9, and August 13, 2005, are designated as Open Woods Days at the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Sipsey River Swamp Recreation Area and Nature Preserve. The beautiful 3,000-acre tract consists of bottomland forest along the Sipsey River in Tuscaloosa County near Buhl. The Sipsey River watershed is named as one of Alabama’s 10 Natural Wonders.

For these three Saturdays, the Main Gate will be open from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. During Open Woods Day, the public is welcome to drive into the tract along the designated Main Gravel Road leading from the Jack’s Drive Parking Area to the South Gate. During these events, the public will have easier access for public fishing and canoeing on the Sipsey River.

Visitors can enjoy canoeing, birding, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife photography during Open Woods Days. Because of the vehicular traffic on the Main Road, hiking, bicycle riding and horseback riding are discouraged during these days. No ATVs are allowed.

These Open Woods Days are subject to river conditions. If the Sipsey River is out of its banks and flooding the roads on the Sipsey Tract, the event will be canceled and rescheduled for a later date.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

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