In this episode of Afield, host Christiana Roussel sits down with Commissioner Chris Blankenship, head of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, for an in-depth conversation about the future of Alabama’s natural resources and outdoor opportunities.🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:The debut of brand-new lakefront cottages at Wind Creek State Park 🌊Commissioner Blankenship’s career journey—from game warden on Dauphin Island to leading the state’s conservation effortsThe Forever Wild Land Trust and its 300,000+ acres of preserved land across Alabama 🌿How conservation impacts local economies, especially in the Black Belt region through hunting, fishing, and timberMajor projects including new boat ramps, the Forever Wild Field Trial Area, and a $228M investment in state parksThe history and global recognition of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 🎣Beach restoration efforts and new public access initiatives on Alabama’s Gulf Coast 🏖SEEK Alabama and the push to use outdoor recreation as a key driver for talent recruitment and retention in the stateOutdoor Alabama Academy and the Adult Mentor Program that are helping new generations discover hunting and fishingWhether you’re passionate about conservation, love Alabama’s great outdoors, or just want to hear how smart investments in land and water shape communities and economies, this episode is for you.🌐 Learn more: seekalabama.com👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to SoulGrown for more stories from Alabama. soul-grown.com