A ribbon cutting opened the new Eco-Tourism Area & Kayak Launch on Dauphin Island Monday.
At the same time, a naming ceremony christened the facility: “Christopher Blankenship Eco-Tourism Area & Kayak Launch.”
The new area is located on El Dorado Street across from Dauphin Island Marina.
Official description of the area from the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration is as follows:
Proposed visitor amenities on the property would include: • approximately 100 parking spaces on a pervious surface • public fishing pier with an initial nominal fee ($2 to $5) which would include four finger piers off the main pier with ADA-compliant accessibility • public restrooms at the end of the fishing pier • an elevated boardwalk above the wetlands to connect parking and the fishing pier • a 450 square foot gazebo • bicycle paths • educational displays about the cultural and natural resources of the area.
The facility is named for Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources Chris Blankenship, a Mobile native now relocated to Montgomery for his cabinet-level position. Blankenship started as a “water patrol” officer on Mobile Bay and climbed up the ranks to the top job.
Blankenship and family were on hand for the naming ceremony on the island they know so well.
He was appointed commissioner in August 2017 by Governor Kay Ivey after serving as acting commissioner. He began his career with ADCNR in 1994 as a Conservation Enforcement officer, informally called “water patrol,” and later held positions as Deputy Commissioner and Director of the Marine Resources Division.
As commissioner, Blankenship is responsible for the department’s four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. He also chairs several boards and committees, including the Forever Wild Land Trust Board. Blankenship has been involved in the state’s response and recovery efforts following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
Blankenship’s recent activities include updating the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board on legislative matters and overseeing water and sewer infrastructure projects in state parks funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
The funds for constructing the area are mostly from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill settlement proceeds.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama — her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
link