SHORELINES

Anglers and tournament staff now have a shaded place on Smith Lake to host their weigh-ins. A new public weigh-in pavilion is open at the Smith Lake Dam Ramp in Walker County. e pavilion was funded through a partnership between B.A.S.S. and Alabama Power, and constructed with the help of many others. "Our great partnership with Alabama Power continues with this pavilion," B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin said. "It was exciting to see this come together, and we look forward to future tournaments that will benefit the local community." e pavilion provides shade for fish-holding tanks during tournament weigh-ins, which reduces stress and increases survival rates of the fish. "is facility was designed to make setting up for weigh- ins easier and more efficient for all sizes of tournament organizations," said B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. "Having the pavilion close to the water, the boat ramp and the courtesy docks will improve the survival of fish released following weigh-ins – and that means more bass for everyone to catch in the future." Construction began in January and was initially scheduled to be completed by April but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteer labor was coordinated by the Union Sportsmen's Alliance that provided apprentices for all phases of the build. "e Union Sportsmen's Alliance was privileged to be a part of this great partnership to benefit local anglers and the community," said Robert Stroede, conservation manager for the Union Sportsmen's Alliance. "Our union volunteers donated more than 1,000 hours of their time and trade skills to help make this facility possible and benefit not only the community but also the valuable resources of Smith Lake. Partnerships like this one between corporate, public and nonprofit organizations are now, and will continue to be, a huge asset to the future of conservation." 5 apcshorelines.com

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