Representatives from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), City of Guntersville, Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce and Marshall County Tourism and Sports took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, February 3, 2025, to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp (also known as the Jaycees Boat Ramp) located at 3375 Alabama Highway 69 in Guntersville.
Brown’s Creek is one of 21 public boat ramps operated by ADCNR that provide access to outdoor recreation on Guntersville Reservoir, one of Alabama’s premier boating and fishing destinations. The facility was temporarily closed in September 2024 for a nearly $1 million renovation that included a new three-lane launching slab and a new 150-foot floating access pier. The facility also features 64 trailer spaces and security lights and is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.
“This renovation project provides improved access to some of the best boating and fishing anywhere in the nation right here in Guntersville,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “There are several boating access improvement projects currently in the works throughout the state and we look forward to reopening those facilities so that anyone can enjoy quality time on Alabama’s waterways. We are grateful for Governor Kay Ivey’s continued support for these projects and for the partnerships that make the improvements possible.”
Guntersville Mayor Leigh Dollar said the newly renovated boat ramp will have a positive impact on the local community and areas surrounding Lake Guntersville.
“This boat ramp is one of our biggest assets with boaters, anglers and even boat racers using it throughout the year,” Mayor Dollar said. “Lake Guntersville is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, and we are pleased to have solid launch ramps that are easy to access and easy to use. We appreciate the partnership with our state Conservation Department and the work they have done on the boat ramps here at Lake Guntersville.”
Katy Norton with Marshall County Tourism and Sports said boat ramp improvement projects like this one not only improve access to outdoor recreation but also help support the state and local economy.
"Lake Guntersville is a billion dollar business for our community, and it generates millions in tourism revenue every year that is recirculated into the local economy,” Norton said. “We are proud that our state continues to improve and upgrade assets such as boat ramps and our state park facilities so that tourism can continue to grow."
Alabama Senator Wes Kitchens and State Representative Jeana Ross, whose districts include Guntersville, were unable to attend the ribbon cutting event due to the upcoming legislative session, but they each provided statements in support of ADCNR’s renovation efforts at the Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp.
“Lake Guntersville is consistently ranked one of the best fishing and recreation lakes,” said Sen. Kitchens. “I want to thank the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their commitment in helping every boater enjoy the lake. This new boat ramp will allow countless visitors easier access to the lake for years to come.”
“I would like to give a special thank you to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for this wonderful new boat ramp that will provide much upgraded access to Alabama's largest lake,” said Rep. Ross. “The improvement of this popular public facility will greatly enhance the recreational boating experience enjoyed by residents and visitors on beautiful Lake Guntersville.”
This project is part of a series of boat ramp improvements currently in progress throughout the state. Additional boating access improvements in north Alabama that have been recently completed include a new three-lane launching slab at the McFarland Public Boat Ramp facility on Pickwick Reservoir in Florence. An access pier at McFarland is also scheduled to be replaced in 2025.
The Brown’s Creek boating access improvement project was completed through a partnership between ADCNR and the City of Guntersville. Funding for the project was primarily provided through the Wildlife Restoration Program under the federal Pittman-Robertson Act. Additional funding was provided by the City of Guntersville and Innovate Alabama, a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help businesses grow roots in Alabama.
Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp is free to use and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. For more information about this and other public boating and fishing access areas provided by ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com/freshwater-boating-access or call the Fisheries Section of ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3471.
ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.
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