On Thursday, January 12, 2017, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will hold a dedication ceremony to officially rename the Autauga WMA in honor of former Conservation Commissioner Charles D. Kelley, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 91.
The dedication ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. The media is invited to attend. See below for directions.
A distinguished WWII veteran, Kelley served as Alabama’s Game and Fish Director for approximately 40 years. During that time, he oversaw the statewide restocking effort of deer, turkey and several fish species, and received national recognition for his efforts to return bald eagles, osprey and bluebirds to Alabama. He was also instrumental in passing a state constitutional amendment that protects Conservation Funds for the benefit of Alabama’s hunters and anglers.
The newly named Charles D. Kelley - Autauga WMA is located in in Autauga County, Ala., north of Prattville.
Speakers at the dedication ceremony include:
- John McMillan, Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner
- Curtis Jones, ADCNR Deputy Commissioner
- Fred Harders, ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Assistant Director
- Keith Gauldin, ADCNR Wildlife Section Chief
- Craig Kelley, son of Charles D. Kelley
Directions to the event:
From Montgomery:
From I-65 North, take exit 186 to the right and continue on US 31 North. Go approximately 2 miles to Autauga County Road 40 (red light). Turn left on County Road 40. Continue on County Road 40 for approximately 5 miles to the stop sign/intersection with Autauga County Road 57 (Posey’s Crossroads). Turn right onto County Road 57 and travel approximately 1 mile to location on left.
From US 82 West, turn right on Autauga County Road 40. Travel 1.33 miles and turn right to stay on County Road 40. Go approximately 5.5 miles to stop sign/intersection with Autauga County Road 57 (Posey’s Crossroads). Turn left on County Road 57 and travel approximately 1 mile to location on left.
From Birmingham:
From I-65 South, take exit 186 and turn left on US 31 North crossing back over I-65. Go approximately 2 miles to Autauga County Road 40 (red light). Turn left on County Road 40. Continue on County Road 40 for approximately 5 miles to the stop sign/intersection with Autauga County Road 57 (Posey’s Crossroads). Turn right on County Road 57 and travel approximately 1 mile to location on left.
From Tuscaloosa:
From US 82 East, turn left on Autauga County Road 40. Travel 1.33 miles and turn right to stay on County Road 40. Go approximately 5.5 miles to stop sign/intersection with Autauga County Road 57 (Posey’s Crossroads). Turn left on County Road 57 and travel approximately 1 mile to location on left.
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