Press Release

Public Invited to Join Citizens Conservation Forum

July 19, 2004

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Barnett Lawley recently announced the formation of a new Citizens Conservation Forum. The Citizens Conservation Forum will take advantage of the constantly expanding use of the Internet to survey public interests and concerns regarding conservation issues.

Anyone can join the Forum on-line at www.outdooralabama.com.  Forum members will then be invited to periodically respond to e-mail based surveys on a variety of subjects and issues. This e-mail based approach will provide timely and cost effective public input on important conservation issues and give Forum members the flexibility to respond based on their own schedules.

Whether you hunt, fish, visit state parks, or just enjoy the outdoors, you are invited to become a part of the Forum. Surveys will be based in an individual’s interests as defined when registering to be a part of the Forum.

Conservation officials have traditionally conducted mail and telephone surveys to gather opinions from constituents. These methods took months to complete and analyze. Computer technology will allow surveys to be completed in a matter of days.

The mission of ADCNR is to manage and protect Alabama’s natural resources for the enjoyment of the state’s residents and future generations. ADCNR’s constituency is very broad based considering the Department’s responsibilities for fish and wildlife resources, boating, parks and other state lands. “We need to be constantly aware of the public’s interests and concerns regarding conservation issues.” Commissioner Lawley said. “This Forum is another tool in our expanding public outreach efforts.”

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