Fort Morgan Alabama Pier Closing Down

I have had some great fall flounder fishing there. I think the state of ALABAMA fails to realize how important fishing access is in drawing tourist dollars to the Alabama coast area. Just take a look at the Perdido Pass area that was so popular with tourists but has now been closed for several years. This also was the most handicapped accessible area on the Alabama coast before it was fenced off. SHAME ON THE STATE OF ALABAMA FOR IT'S SHORTSIGHTED APPROACH. I personally have tried to contact people in Montgomery who might be able to get Perdido Pass reopened but my efforts appear to have been wasted.

Well stated ofm!
It seems my inquiries have likewise been ignored.
Perdido Pass should still be a premier fishing location spot with unfettered access.

The closing of 'the free pier' at Ft Morgan is just another example of the erosion to shorebound public fishing access in Alabama.
Most of the hundreds of folks I met over the past three summers weren't coming here to go zip-lining or jet skiing or para-sailing!

I love the Alabama coast but the reason I come is for the fishing. I'm sure the dollars spent and the ripple effect from the tourist fishermen is immense.

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Originally Posted by Pier#r

Well stated ofm!
It seems my inquiries have likewise been ignored.
Perdido Pass should still be a premier fishing location spot with unfettered access.

The closing of 'the free pier' at Ft Morgan is just another example of the erosion to shorebound public fishing access in Alabama.
Most of the hundreds of folks I met over the past three summers weren't coming here to go zip-lining or jet skiing or para-sailing!

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David, you and Old Fisherman can contact Chuck at the state. He is the New director of fisheries and is a motivated guy. I met him a few months back and I know the best time to get a state employee to help is when they are new to the job!

Good idea Gann, but he is in charge of the FRESHwater fisheries section.
https://www.outdooralabama.com/news/release.cfm?ID=1108

Chris Blankenship is 'the man' when it comes to SALTwater (Marine Resources).
Alabama State Parks

He has seemed 'distracted' of late by all the fuss over red snapper,
perhaps if enough of us were to bend his ear on this issue... ;-)

At Thursday morning’s Baldwin County Commission meeting, State Historic Sites Director Dr. Stephen McNair presented the plan to use about $1.7 million in county money and about $200,000 in BP money to restore and refurbish Fort Morgan ahead of the 150^th anniversary celebration.But about $1,300 of that will be put toward barricading the Fort Morgan Pier and shutting it down.

Yep this sucks, but remember that fishing piers are not part of the Alabama Historical Commissions legislated mission. The State legislature has cut their budget down to bare bones, they don't have money to keep some of their properties staffed & the lights on, let alone pay for things they aren't responsible for.
Maybe ADCNR-MRD can come up with the money to fix it up and keep it open, but they are exactly rolling in the $$$ either. Money from the DWH spill is not just falling from sky like most people think....

Close the Fort Morgan Pier? You've got to be kidding.
We got to put a stop to this disgusting plan. How many million hours has this pier provided the Alabama public with recreational enjoyment? How can anyone just decide to close a a public pier that is bought and paid for with public money.

I sent a message to Chuck.
Can somebody post Chris Blankenship's contact info?

It Happens in Alabama has been in talks with the DCNR and Stephen McNair at the Alabama Historic Commission over the last couple of days, gathering information about the plans and condition of the pier. It Happens in Alabama has decided to spear head the Save the Fort Morgan Pier Project. The Commission and Radio Talk Show Host Big Daddy Lawler of Gettin' Outdoors with Big Daddy Lawler are on board. More details will be relayed as they become available. You can read updates and see get more information on this Facebook feed.

Very very good, It Happens In Alabama.

Thank you for your efforts.

I emailed Chuck Sykes Friday. This is the contact info for Chris Blankenship that thet sent me chris.blankenship@dcnr.alabama.gov. Advised that all saltwater inquiries should be sent to him as Pier#r stated.