On Friday, March 14, 2025, representatives from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the City of Florence hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate renovations to the McFarland Public Boat Ramp facility on Pickwick Reservoir in Florence.

The ribbon cutting took place on the final day of the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Pickwick Lake where 155 boats took to the water for a chance to advance to the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on October 22-25.

“North Alabama is blessed with the Tennessee River, one of our state’s greatest natural resources,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Along with our partners from the City of Florence, we are excited to celebrate these renovations on the final day of this tournament. McFarland was already an excellent fishing tournament location. These upgrades have improved the boating and angling experience for both tournament participants and the local community.”

Renovations to the McFarland Public Boat Ramp include a new three-lane launching slab on the McFarland West side and a new access pier at McFarland North. The facility is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.

“I am grateful to Mayor Betterton and the City Council for helping us complete this project,” Commissioner Blankenship said. “I’d also like to thank Governor Kay Ivey for supporting all of the outdoor recreation infrastructure projects we’ve completed recently. We look forward to completing several more that are currently in the works throughout the state.”

Florence Mayor Andy Betterton highlighted the city’s partnership with ADCNR that made the renovation possible and said the updated facility will have a positive impact on the local community and surrounding areas.

"We are grateful for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ investment in the renovation of the McFarland Public Boat Ramp,” said Mayor Betterton. “With improved accessibility, this project enhances safety, convenience and overall user experience for both residents and visitors. Florence is known for its exceptional waterways, and this renovation ensures that anglers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the Tennessee River for years to come. The significant investment in our community strengthens our local economy and outdoor recreation opportunities."

Florence District 6 City Councilman Jimmy Oliver, who also serves as Parks and Recreation Committee Chair, said city officials are focused on providing high quality facilities for each of the city's outdoor recreational opportunities.

"As we continue to upgrade parks and recreation facilities in our city, we can’t forget our most prized God-given resources such as the Tennessee River and its accessibility," said Councilman Oliver. "Our goal is to provide the same excellent outdoor recreation facilities for our boaters and anglers as we do for baseball, softball, tennis, golf and much more."

This boating access improvement project was completed through a partnership between ADCNR and the City of Florence. Funding for the project was provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment and the sale of Alabama fishing licenses. Additional funding was provided by the City of Florence and Innovate Alabama, a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help businesses grow roots in Alabama.

The McFarland renovation is part of a series of boat ramp improvement projects currently in progress throughout the state. Additional boating access improvements in north Alabama that have been recently completed include a $1 million renovation to Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp on Lake Guntersville. During the renovation, the facility received a new three-lane launching slab and a new 150-foot floating access pier.

McFarland Public Boat Ramp is free to use and is open to the public 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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