ADCNR coastal facilities temporarily close ahead of Hurricane Isaias
State parks, marine offices, nature reserves and youth hunts faced cancellations as forecasters warned of dangerous surge, debris and wind.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has announced temporary closures of its coastal facilities in anticipation of severe weather from Hurricane Isaias on Friday, October 9, 2026.
A hurricane warning is in effect from Mississippi to Florida. Isaias is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane Friday evening and pass through the region quickly. Heavy rain, strong winds and tornadoes are expected.
The temporary facility closures and event cancellations are listed below. For additional updates, visit www.outdooralabama.com/Isaias.
Alabama State Parks Division
- Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort will temporarily close Friday, October 9.
- Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is currently closed.
- Meaher and Gulf are not accepting reservations.
- All other Alabama state parks are open for reservations for evacuees.
Reopening dates for Meaher and Gulf will be announced after a post-storm evaluation. Status updates will also be posted at www.alapark.com/Isaias and on the parks’ Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/Meaherstatepark and www.facebook.com/GulfStatePark.
Marine Resources Division
Marine Resources offices on Dauphin Island and in Gulf Shores are closed until 8 a.m. Tuesday, October 13.
State Lands Division
The Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Baldwin County is closed until noon Tuesday, October 13. The closure includes all facilities, trails, boardwalks and boat ramps, except for use by emergency personnel. The State Lands Division Coastal Section offices are currently closed for renovations. Additionally, reservations for the Alabama Canoe Trail System are closed through Friday, October 16. Reservations are expected to reopen October 17.
Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division District 5 office and Perdido River Wildlife Management Area office and check station in Baldwin County are currently closed. Reopening dates will be announced when available. Additionally, the following events have been canceled:
- Alabama Deer Herd Health Field Talk in Spanish Fort on October 8.
- Baldwin County Youth Dove Hunt in Fairhope on October 10.
- Baldwin County Youth Dove Hunt in Elberta on October 11.
- Crenshaw County Youth Dove Hunt in Dozier on October 10.
- Fred T. Stimpson Small Game Hunt in Clarke County on October 10-11.
- Little River SOA Deer Hunt Scout Day in Escambia County on October 10.
Coastal boat ramp advisory: Public boat ramps in coastal and low-lying inland areas may experience elevated water levels, storm surges and floating or submerged debris that make conditions unsafe for use.
The department 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. To learn more about the department, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
