More than 60 people gathered at Demopolis City Landing for the dedication and sign unveiling for the David K. Nelson Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

The renaming of the former Demopolis WMA was done in honor of the late David K. Nelson who served as supervising wildlife biologist with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) during his 25 years of service. Nelson also served on the board of directors of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF), chaired the AWF Operation GameWatch Committee, and served on many groups and committees related to wildlife management and hunting and angling issues.

Conservation commissioner Barnett Lawley, AWF executive director Tim L. Gothard, wildlife and freshwater fisheries biologist Chris Cook, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representative Danny Hartley shared with the group their reflections on Nelson’s personal and professional life and his special leadership in establishing and developing the Demopolis WMA.

“I have never met anyone more passionate about our outdoor resources,” Hartley said of Nelson. “There wasn’t anyone who contributed to this WMA more than Dave Nelson and I was proud to call him a friend.”

To commemorate the event, Lawley and Gothard presented Nelson’s wife, Connie, and sons, Colter and Carson, with a framed plaque followed by the unveiling of the new David K. Nelson WMA sign located at Demopolis City Landing.

The 7,993-acre David K. Nelson WMA is available for waterfowl, big game and small game hunting, as well as other outdoor recreation activities.