Alabama Administrative Code Title 220 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Title 220 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). This extensive title contains the rules and regulations by which the ADCNR manages, protects, and enhances the state's diverse natural resources.
The ADCNR is a primary state agency responsible for the stewardship of Alabama's wildlife, fish, marine resources, state lands, and state parks. Its mission is to promote the wise stewardship and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.
The administrative code for ADCNR is organized into various chapters, each addressing a specific division or area of responsibility within the Department. Here's a breakdown of the typical structure and key areas you'll find:
General Chapters (Applicable to the overall Department):
Chapter 220-1-1 - ORGANIZATION: Describes the departmental structure, leadership, and general functions.
Chapter 220-1-2 - RULES OF PRACTICE: Outlines the procedural rules for the department, including how it conducts business, hearings, and interacts with the public.
Chapter 220-1-4 - PARKING ON PROPERTY UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT: Specific rules regarding parking regulations on state-owned or managed lands and facilities.
Chapter 220-1-5 - ALABAMA RESERVOIR MANAGEMENT GRANTS PROGRAM: Regulations for administering grants related to reservoir management.
Division-Specific Chapters (Detailing the core responsibilities of each ADCNR division):
Chapter 220-2 - GAME AND FISH DIVISION: This is one of the most comprehensive chapters and is frequently updated due to seasonal regulations and management needs. It covers:
Hunting Regulations: Seasons, bag limits, legal methods of take, restricted areas (e.g., Wildlife Management Areas - WMA rules), licensing requirements, and rules for specific game species (deer, turkey, migratory birds, furbearers, etc.). This includes regulations on things like baiting, legal firearms, and hunter orange requirements.
Fishing Regulations: Seasons, creel limits, size limits, legal fishing methods, licensing requirements for freshwater fish, and rules for public fishing lakes.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and Refuges: Specific rules for activity, access, and hunting/fishing within these designated areas.
Commercial Fishing/Trapping: Regulations for commercial activities impacting game and fish resources.
Permitted Activities: Rules for various permits related to wildlife.
Conservation and Management Practices: Rules related to the protection, management, and enhancement of fish and wildlife populations and habitats.
Chapter 220-3 - MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION: Focuses on the management of Alabama's marine fisheries resources in saltwater environments. This includes:
Saltwater Fishing and Seafood Harvest: Regulations for recreational and commercial fishing in coastal waters, including seasons, bag limits, size limits for marine species (e.g., red snapper, shrimp, oysters, crabs), and gear restrictions.
Licensing and Permits: Specific licenses required for various marine activities.
Oyster Management: Rules related to oyster harvesting and reef restoration.
Enforcement: Regulations for marine enforcement.
Chapter 220-4 - STATE LANDS DIVISION: Governs the management of lands owned by the state of Alabama, which are often trust lands managed for specific purposes or for revenue generation. This includes:
Leasing of State Lands: Rules for leasing state lands for various purposes (e.g., agriculture, timber, mineral extraction, commercial development).
Rights-of-Way and Easements: Regulations for granting access across state lands.
Management of Submerged Lands: Important rules regarding the placement of piers and other improvements on state-owned submerged lands, emphasizing environmental protection and public access.
Forever Wild Program: Administration of land acquisition and preservation efforts.
Chapter 220-5 - STATE PARKS DIVISION: Outlines the regulations for the operation and use of Alabama's State Parks system. This includes:
Park Use Rules: Regulations for visitors regarding camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities within state parks.
Fees: Rules related to park entry fees, camping fees, and other charges.
Prohibited Activities: Rules against littering, defacing property, unauthorized fires, and other activities that could harm park resources or visitor experience.
Reservations: Procedures for reserving campsites and other facilities.
Chapter 220-6 - BOAT REGISTRATION AND NUMBERING: Contains the rules for registering and numbering boats in Alabama, ensuring compliance with state and federal boating laws. This includes:
Registration Requirements: Which vessels must be registered.
Titling: Rules related to boat titles.
Display of Numbers and Decals: How registration numbers and decals must be displayed.
Transfer of Ownership: Procedures for changing boat ownership.
Boating Safety: While specific safety operational rules may be in other chapters or statutes, this chapter relates to the administrative side of safe boating.
In essence, Title 220 of the Alabama Administrative Code provides the comprehensive regulatory framework for how the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages the state's fish, wildlife, marine, land, and park resources for the benefit of all citizens, ensuring both conservation and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
You can typically find the official and most current versions of these rules on the Alabama Legislative Services Agency's Administrative Code website or through legal research platforms like Justia and Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute. It's always crucial to consult the most up-to-date regulations, as rules, especially those pertaining to hunting and fishing seasons, are frequently amended.
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