citizens quide to alabama rivers: alabama, coosa and tallapoosa

Alabama, Coosa and Tallapoosa ❖ 11111 VVVVVolume 2olume 2olume 2olume 2olume 2 SSSSSummer 2002ummer 2002ummer 2002ummer 2002ummer 2002

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AAAAAlabamalabamalabamalabamalabama R R R R Riversiversiversiversivers

Alabama,Alabama,Alabama,Alabama,Alabama,CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaandandandandand

TallapoosaTallapoosaTallapoosaTallapoosaTallapoosa

22222 ❖ Citizen Guide to Alabama Rivers

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

About these GuidesAbout these GuidesAbout these GuidesAbout these GuidesAbout these GuidesAlabama’s rivers, streams and lakes

are priceless in terms of the ecological,economic and social benefits they provide.

The purpose of this guide is to providean introduction to the unique history andenvironmental significance of Alabama’s

River Basins and invite furtherinvestigation into Alabama’s abundant

but limited water resources.

It is hoped that these guides will enhancethe dialogue between citizens and key

decision makers and help us move towardstrategies of how to best manage and

protect Alabama’s waters.

SSSSSeries Eeries Eeries Eeries Eeries Editors:ditors:ditors:ditors:ditors: Wendi Hartup and Bill DeutschContributors:Contributors:Contributors:Contributors:Contributors: Justin Ellis, Eric Reutebuch and Allison BusbyRRRRRevieevieevieevieeviewwwwwers:ers:ers:ers:ers: Kathryn Braund, Dick Bronson, Patti Hurley,

Tom Madigan, Stuart McGregor and Pat O’NeilUUUUUnlabeled Pnlabeled Pnlabeled Pnlabeled Pnlabeled Photos and Ghotos and Ghotos and Ghotos and Ghotos and Graphics: raphics: raphics: raphics: raphics: Alabama Water Watch Program

This guide was written and prThis guide was written and prThis guide was written and prThis guide was written and prThis guide was written and produced boduced boduced boduced boduced by they they they they theAlabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama WWWWWater ater ater ater ater WWWWWatch Patch Patch Patch Patch Prrrrrogramogramogramogramogram

at Aat Aat Aat Aat Auburn Uuburn Uuburn Uuburn Uuburn Univnivnivnivniversityersityersityersityersity.....IIIIIt was funded in part was funded in part was funded in part was funded in part was funded in part bt bt bt bt by a grant fry a grant fry a grant fry a grant fry a grant from theom theom theom theom the

Alabama DAlabama DAlabama DAlabama DAlabama Depareparepareparepartment of Etment of Etment of Etment of Etment of Envirnvirnvirnvirnvironmental Monmental Monmental Monmental Monmental Managementanagementanagementanagementanagementand theand theand theand theand the

U.S. EU.S. EU.S. EU.S. EU.S. Envirnvirnvirnvirnvironmental Ponmental Ponmental Ponmental Ponmental Prrrrrotection Agencyotection Agencyotection Agencyotection Agencyotection Agency, R, R, R, R, Region 4egion 4egion 4egion 4egion 4(Clean (Clean (Clean (Clean (Clean WWWWWater Aater Aater Aater Aater Act, Sct, Sct, Sct, Sct, Section 319).ection 319).ection 319).ection 319).ection 319).

COCOCOCOCOVER PHOVER PHOVER PHOVER PHOVER PHOTTTTTO.O.O.O.O. Alabama River.PHOTO: BETH MAYNOR YOUNG

THE WTHE WTHE WTHE WTHE WAAAAATER ENVIRTER ENVIRTER ENVIRTER ENVIRTER ENVIRONMENTONMENTONMENTONMENTONMENT 33333

THE RIVER BTHE RIVER BTHE RIVER BTHE RIVER BTHE RIVER BASINSASINSASINSASINSASINS 44444

LIFE ALONG THE RIVERSLIFE ALONG THE RIVERSLIFE ALONG THE RIVERSLIFE ALONG THE RIVERSLIFE ALONG THE RIVERS 66666

SPECIAL PLANTS AND ANIMALSSPECIAL PLANTS AND ANIMALSSPECIAL PLANTS AND ANIMALSSPECIAL PLANTS AND ANIMALSSPECIAL PLANTS AND ANIMALS 88888

LANDUSE IN THE RIVER BLANDUSE IN THE RIVER BLANDUSE IN THE RIVER BLANDUSE IN THE RIVER BLANDUSE IN THE RIVER BASINSASINSASINSASINSASINS 1010101010

BBBBBALANCING ECONOMY ANDALANCING ECONOMY ANDALANCING ECONOMY ANDALANCING ECONOMY ANDALANCING ECONOMY ANDENVIRENVIRENVIRENVIRENVIRONMENT IN THE RIVER BONMENT IN THE RIVER BONMENT IN THE RIVER BONMENT IN THE RIVER BONMENT IN THE RIVER BASINSASINSASINSASINSASINS 1212121212

WWWWWAAAAATER POLICYTER POLICYTER POLICYTER POLICYTER POLICY, LA, LA, LA, LA, LAW ANDW ANDW ANDW ANDW ANDCITIZEN INVCITIZEN INVCITIZEN INVCITIZEN INVCITIZEN INVOLOLOLOLOLVEMENTVEMENTVEMENTVEMENTVEMENT 1414141414

WWWWWANT MORE?ANT MORE?ANT MORE?ANT MORE?ANT MORE? 1616161616

Citizen Guide to Alabama RiversVolume 1 Black Warrior and CahabaVolume 2 Alabama, Coosa and TallapoosaVolume 3 Chattahoochee and Coastal Plain StreamsVolume 4 TennesseeVolume 5 Escatawpa, Mobile and Tombigbee

PHOTO: ASHLEY BELCHER

Alabama, Coosa and Tallapoosa ❖ 33333

The Water EnvironmentThe Water EnvironmentThe Water EnvironmentThe Water EnvironmentThe Water Environment

NaturNaturNaturNaturNature’e’e’e’e’s Ws Ws Ws Ws Water Recycling Prater Recycling Prater Recycling Prater Recycling Prater Recycling ProoooogggggramramramramramWhen rain falls to the earth, it sinks into the ground(infiltrationinfiltrationinfiltrationinfiltrationinfiltration), returns to the air (evevevevevaporation aporation aporation aporation aporation and transpirationtranspirationtranspirationtranspirationtranspiration)or flows over the land surface (rrrrrunoffunoffunoffunoffunoff). Surface runoff carriesdissolved and suspended substances, such as chemicals andsediment. Landuse activities in a watershed directly affect bothwater quality and quantity. Water supplies are not limitless.Water is never created, it only recycles.

Alabama’Alabama’Alabama’Alabama’Alabama’s Rich Ws Rich Ws Rich Ws Rich Ws Rich Water Resourater Resourater Resourater Resourater ResourcescescescescesAlabama contains more than 77,000 miles of streams,3.6 million acres of wetlands and 560,000 acres of lakes,ponds and reservoirs.

Alabama has longer stretches of navigable rivers (1,438miles) than any other state.

The Mobile River system is the fourth largest watershedin North America, exceeded only by the Mississippi,Yukon and Columbia river systems.

About 8% of the freshwater in the continental U.S.originates in or flows through Alabama.

What is a WWhat is a WWhat is a WWhat is a WWhat is a Watershed?atershed?atershed?atershed?atershed?A watershed watershed watershed watershed watershed is the total land area that drains to acommon point, such as a river, a lake or the ocean.Watersheds come in many sizes.

Very large watersheds are also called drainagedrainagedrainagedrainagedrainagebasinsbasinsbasinsbasinsbasins. For example the Coosa, Tallapoosa,Alabama, Cahaba, Black Warrior and TombigbeeRiver watersheds are all part of the greater MobileBasin. We all live in a watershed, no matter howfar we are from a river or lake.

The WThe WThe WThe WThe World’orld’orld’orld’orld’s Ws Ws Ws Ws Water Supplyater Supplyater Supplyater Supplyater SupplyIf all the Earth’s water fit into a one literone literone literone literone literor 1000 mL container,

❖ 970 mL970 mL970 mL970 mL970 mL of the container would besaltwater

❖ 30 mL30 mL30 mL30 mL30 mL (nail polish container)would be freshwater which is inthe atmosphere, polar ice capsand inaccessible groundwater.

❖ Only 2 dr2 dr2 dr2 dr2 dropsopsopsopsops of thefreshwater would bein lakes and rivers.

9

9

9

9

The Hydrologic Cycle, or the Water Cycle, links land, air and waterwithin a watershed. GRAPHIC: STEPHEN ADDUCI AND PERDUE PESTICIDE PROGRAMS

The Mobile Basin is the largest watershedin Alabama, draining 3/4 of the state.GRAPHIC: MOBILE BAY NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM

Gulf of Mexico

Florida

Georgia

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TennesseeAlabama


2020202020

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The Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama Rivererererer has threeU.S. Army Corps of Engineersdams:2020202020 Robert F. Henry Dam2121212121 Millers Ferry Dam2222222222 Claiborne Dam

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1818181818

1717171717

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88888

1010101010

1111111111

99999

77777

22222

55555

66666

44444

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11111

1919191919

The Coosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa River er er er er (inblueblueblueblueblue) begins in Rome,

Georgia, where theOostanaula and Etowah rivers converge.Its mainstem is 290 miles long and 53% of its10,200 square mile watershed lies in Alabama.

The TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa River er er er er (in gggggrrrrreeneeneeneeneen) begins innorthwest Georgia and is 195 miles long. About 85%

of its 4,680 square mile watershed is in Alabama.

The Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama River er er er er (in rrrrrededededed) is formed by thejoining of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers atWetumpka. The mainstem is 310 miles longand all of its 6,020 square mile watershedis in Alabama.

ALABALABALABALABALABAMA RIVERAMA RIVERAMA RIVERAMA RIVERAMA RIVER..... PHOTO: BETH MAYNOR YOUNG

The TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Riverererererhas four dams:1717171717 R. L. Harris Dam1212121212 Martin Dam1818181818 Yates Dam1919191919 Thurlow Dam

The streams within the Alabama BAlabama BAlabama BAlabama BAlabama Basinasinasinasinasin flow through18 counties before joining the Tombigbee River to formthe Mobile River.

The streams within theTTTTTallapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Basinasinasinasinasin flowthrough 16 counties(4 Georgia and 12 Alabama).

The streams within the CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaBBBBBasinasinasinasinasin flow through 37 counties(2 Tennessee, 20 Georgia and15 Alabama).

The River BasinsThe River BasinsThe River BasinsThe River BasinsThe River Basins

Coosa WildlifeManagement Area

ChattahoocheeNational Forest

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1515151515


TTTTTALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVER..... PHOTO: BETH MAYNOR YOUNG

1010101010 Little River, a tributary to the Coosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa Rivererererer,is Alabama’s first designated OutstandingNational Resource Water. Most of the riveris in the Little River Canyon National Preserve,which covers 14,000 acres. This area formsone of the deepest gorges east of theMississippi.

33333 Weiss Lake is known byfishermen as “The Crappie Capitalof the World,” because of itsoutstanding fishery of thisimportant game fish.

Nine dams now formimpoundments over nearly theentire length of the Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin:11111 Carters Dam, GA22222 Allatoona Dam, GA33333 Weiss Dam44444 H. Neely Henry Dam55555 Logan Martin Dam66666 Lay Dam77777 Mitchell Dam88888 Jordan Dam99999 Walter Bouldin Dam

There are 18 dams in the AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabama, Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa river basins(ACT Basin), which form 16 major reservoirs and create more than 170,000surface acres of water... more than the Basins’ urban areas combined. Out of1,338 mainstem river miles, only 56% remain unimpounded. These riverschanged dramatically with construction of dams that were begun in the late1800’s for navigation, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric powergeneration. Dam construction brought electricity to thousands ofAlabamians, but also turned hundreds of miles of rushing water into acres ofelongated reservoirs.

1111111111 The Talladega National Forestis the largest block of public landswithin the ACT Basin and containsDugger Mountain Wilderness, anewly designated preserveharboring many unique ecologicalfeatures. Nearby, Mt. Cheaha isAlabama’s highest peak at 2,407 ft.

1313131313 Tuskegee National Forestis the smallest in the U.S.,with 11,000 acres. Prior tothe federal government’sacquisition, the area was oneof the most abused, erodedwastelands in Alabama with80% cut-over land. 1616161616 The River Heritage Museum in

Franklin (Monroe County) transportsvisitors to 60 million years ago whenthis area was underwater. Itshowcases a large collection of worldrenowned fossils, like the largeturritella shells, as well as NativeAmerican artifacts.

COOSA RIVERCOOSA RIVERCOOSA RIVERCOOSA RIVERCOOSA RIVER..... PHOTO: BETH MAYNOR YOUNG

1414141414 William Bartram, on first seeing the confluenceof the Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa in 1775 exclaimed, “Thisis perhaps one of the most eligible situations for acity in the world.” Montgomery was later built just afew miles south and became a true river town, restingon a great bend of the Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama Rivererererer.

1212121212 When Lake Martin was created in 1926,it was the world’s largest reservoir. Today itaccounts for 31% of the water storage volumefor the entire ACT Basin. Camp ASCCA islocated on 230 acres of Lake Martinwaterfront and is the world’s largestcamping, recreational, and educationalfacility for people with disabilities.

Falling water, unlike any of the otherFalling water, unlike any of the otherFalling water, unlike any of the otherFalling water, unlike any of the otherFalling water, unlike any of the othergenerous gifts of nature, has a qualitygenerous gifts of nature, has a qualitygenerous gifts of nature, has a qualitygenerous gifts of nature, has a qualitygenerous gifts of nature, has a qualitypeculiar to itself, in that, when it is notpeculiar to itself, in that, when it is notpeculiar to itself, in that, when it is notpeculiar to itself, in that, when it is notpeculiar to itself, in that, when it is notbeing used it is wasted.being used it is wasted.being used it is wasted.being used it is wasted.being used it is wasted.

W. P. Lay, Founder, Alabama Power Co.

River Problems of Alabama, May 1915

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1919191919 The Benjamin FitzpatrickBridge is one of the world’slongest curved bridges. Itspans 1,738 ft and lies 143 ftabove the TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivererererernear Thurlow Dam atTallassee.

1515151515 Prattville is knownas “The Fountain City”because of its manyoverflowing artesianwells.


Life Along the RiversLife Along the RiversLife Along the RiversLife Along the RiversLife Along the Rivers

EurEurEurEurEuropean Settlementopean Settlementopean Settlementopean Settlementopean SettlementIn the early 1700’s, French settlers to the ACT Basinconsidered the confluence of the Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosarivers to be the “key to the country.” In 1775, the Englishexplorer and naturalist, William Bartram, proclaimed thebluffs above the Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosa conjunction as anideal city.

NativNativNativNativNative Culture Culture Culture Culture CultureeeeeNative Americans inhabited theACT Basin for thousands ofyears prior to Europeancolonization. The AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabama,Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosa riverseach have names derived fromNative American culture. Theindigenous groups of theACT Basin were collectivelycalled the Upper Creeks. Incolonial times, there were thirtymajor Upper Creek towns andscores of smaller villages.

TTTTTALLAPOOSA RIVER.ALLAPOOSA RIVER.ALLAPOOSA RIVER.ALLAPOOSA RIVER.ALLAPOOSA RIVER. PHOTO: ALABAMA POWER ARCHIVE

THE EIGHT TTHE EIGHT TTHE EIGHT TTHE EIGHT TTHE EIGHT TOWNS OF THE TOWNS OF THE TOWNS OF THE TOWNS OF THE TOWNS OF THE TALLAPOOSA INDIANS, 1798. ALLAPOOSA INDIANS, 1798. ALLAPOOSA INDIANS, 1798. ALLAPOOSA INDIANS, 1798. ALLAPOOSA INDIANS, 1798. The Creeks were agriculturistsand their communal cornfields stretched for miles along the banks of rivers to takeadvantage of the rich alluvial soil. PHOTO: GREGORY WASELKOV AND UA PRESS

The Battle at Horseshoe BendThe Battle at Horseshoe BendThe Battle at Horseshoe BendThe Battle at Horseshoe BendThe Battle at Horseshoe BendConflict between settlers and Native Americanscame to a head in the Creek War of 1813-1814.General Andrew Jackson, accompanied by a groupof Tennessee militia, other soldiers and Indiansattacked Chief Menawa and Red Stick warriors inthe “horseshoe” bend of the TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivererererer.General Jackson’s forces destroyed the Creeks,leaving an estimated 800 dead. As one Americanobserver noted after the battle, “the TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosamight truly be called the river of blood.”Subsequent to the defeat of the Creeks by the U.S.Army, the Indians relinquished nearly 20 millionacres in what is now Alabama and Georgia.Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, createdin 1959, preserves a 2,040 acre site of the Battle atHorseshoe Bend.

Indian life dramatically changed after contact withwhite explorers and settlers. Historically, the Creekpeople established a trade alliance with the Britishcolonies and the rivers served as the primary means oftransporting goods. The exchange of processeddeerskins for guns, cloth, ornaments and metal farmingtools brought wealth and power to the Creeks,transforming their economy and social structure.


William and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam Patrick Lay, the founder of AlabamaPower Company, grew up on the Coosa andenvisioned a river harnessed for the benefits ofpower production and barge transport. Duringthe Civil War his father, Cummins Lay, was theonly steamboat captain to successfully run asteamboat down, then back up the Devil’s Staircaserapids, saving his boat from the Union troops. TheDevil’s Staircase, now flooded under the waters ofLake Jordan, was never photographed.

Cotton and RivCotton and RivCotton and RivCotton and RivCotton and River Commerer Commerer Commerer Commerer CommercececececeAs settlement began in earnest, the fertile valleys ofthese river basins set the stage for Alabama’s economicboom. Cotton was the lifeblood of early Alabama andthe Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama Rivererererer was its major artery. Originallygoods primarily traveled in one direction, downstream.But with the arrival of the steamboat in 1821, commerceflourished upstream and down. Virtually all ofAlabama’s major towns were located along rivers wherelogs were floated and steamboats were loaded with bothcotton and passengers. The early cotton mills werelocated near waterfalls and rapids which served as thepower source for water wheels. Mills were especiallyconcentrated along the Fall Line (prehistoric seashore)of the lower Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa rivers.

At the height of the steamboat era, there were more than 200 landings along the Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama Rivererererer. The landings servedas social centers and places to load cotton, fat pine fuel, and river travelers. The TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivererererer was too shallow andnarrow for steamboats, so upriver trade was relegated to flatboats. Historians often refer to this period as the GoldenAge of Alabama, and to the recreational steamboats as “Floating Palaces.” This era ended with the proliferation ofrailroads, a decade after the Civil War, and life along the rivers has never returned to its former splendor.

THE ANNIE M., LATHE ANNIE M., LATHE ANNIE M., LATHE ANNIE M., LATHE ANNIE M., LATER RENAMED THE LEOTER RENAMED THE LEOTER RENAMED THE LEOTER RENAMED THE LEOTER RENAMED THE LEOTTTTTA. A. A. A. A. This Coosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa Riversteamboat became part of the inspiration for cartoonist Tom Sim’sdrawings in the comic strip, “Popeye the Sailorman.”STEAMBOAT PHOTO: ALABAMA POWER ARCHIVE

Native Sons and DaughtersFamous folks from the AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabama, CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosa, and TTTTTallapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa Basins include:❖ NNNNNelle Helle Helle Helle Helle Harper Leearper Leearper Leearper Leearper Lee (Monroeville) - Pulitzer prize author, To Kill a Mockingbird❖ NNNNNat “Kingat “Kingat “Kingat “Kingat “King” Cole ” Cole ” Cole ” Cole ” Cole (Montgomery) - entertainer, 1985 Lifework Award for Performing Achievement❖ DDDDDrrrrr. P. P. P. P. Pererererercy LaVcy LaVcy LaVcy LaVcy LaVon Jon Jon Jon Jon Julianulianulianulianulian (Montgomery) - world renowned chemist, synthesized cortisone❖ Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama (Ft. Payne) - nationally known country band, Mountain Music❖ HHHHHugo L. Bugo L. Bugo L. Bugo L. Bugo L. Blacklacklacklacklack (Ashland) - Associate Supreme Court Justice❖ JJJJJim Nim Nim Nim Nim Naborsaborsaborsaborsabors (Sylacauga) - singer, actor, “Gomer Pyle”❖ FFFFFrrrrreddie Heddie Heddie Heddie Heddie Harararararttttt (Loachapoka) - songwriter, two Grammy Awards for Easy Loving❖ Lionel Ritchie and the CommodorLionel Ritchie and the CommodorLionel Ritchie and the CommodorLionel Ritchie and the CommodorLionel Ritchie and the Commodoreseseseses (Tuskegee) - Internationally known pop group, Brick House❖ RRRRRosa Louise Posa Louise Posa Louise Posa Louise Posa Louise Parararararksksksksks (Tuskegee) - Civil Rights activist, 1996 Medal of Freedom

LOLOLOLOLOADING COADING COADING COADING COADING COTTTTTTTTTTON ON THE ALABON ON THE ALABON ON THE ALABON ON THE ALABON ON THE ALABAMA RIVER,1857.AMA RIVER,1857.AMA RIVER,1857.AMA RIVER,1857.AMA RIVER,1857.

GRAPHIC: W.S. HOOLE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA


Special PlantsSpecial PlantsSpecial PlantsSpecial PlantsSpecial PlantsAlabama ranks among the top ten states in the nation forto The Nature Conservancy of Alabama, there are over 4nearly 250 species of freshwater mollusks (snails and mendangered species than any state except Hawaii.

ALABALABALABALABALABAMA CANEBRAKE PITCHERAMA CANEBRAKE PITCHERAMA CANEBRAKE PITCHERAMA CANEBRAKE PITCHERAMA CANEBRAKE PITCHER

PLANTPLANTPLANTPLANTPLANT, , , , , Sarracenia rubraSarracenia rubraSarracenia rubraSarracenia rubraSarracenia rubra (left). (left). (left). (left). (left).

Found only in the Alabama BasinAlabama BasinAlabama BasinAlabama BasinAlabama Basin.GREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANT, , , , , Sarracenia orSarracenia orSarracenia orSarracenia orSarracenia oreophilaeophilaeophilaeophilaeophila (right). (right). (right). (right). (right). Foundonly in the Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin. . . . . PHOTOS: MALCOLM PIERSON

Two of Alabama’s endangered plants, the AlabamaCanebrake pitcher plant (in Autauga, Chilton and Elmorecounties) and the Green pitcher plant (in Cherokee,DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson and Marshall counties) growon the moist soil of boggy areas, streambanks and seeps.To survive and grow, pitcher plants need periodic fire tomaintain an open, sunny habitat. COOSA RIVER ASSORCOOSA RIVER ASSORCOOSA RIVER ASSORCOOSA RIVER ASSORCOOSA RIVER ASSORTED MUSSELS.TED MUSSELS.TED MUSSELS.TED MUSSELS.TED MUSSELS. The Coosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa River

harbors 45 species of mussels, making it one of the richestmussel habitats in the world. PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON

The threatened Pygmy sculpin only occurs inColdwater Spring (Calhoun County) in the CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaBBBBBasinasinasinasinasin. The fish’s colors blend perfectly with the gravelon the spring bottom. The spring is protected toconserve this special fish and because it is the primarydrinking water supply for the city of Anniston.

The ACT Basin is acknowledged as one of the mostbiologically diverse and threatened river basins in thenation. It harbors a high number of federally protectedspecies including 10 fishes, 10 mussels and 3 snails.There are dozens of other species that are consideredat-risk.

For eons, Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and Gulfsturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) made springmigrations from the Gulf of Mexico to the falls atTallassee (TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivererererer, Elmore County). Calledanadromous fish, they inhabit coastal waters duringmost of the year but return to freshwater to spawn.The dams on the Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama River er er er er now blockmigrations of these and other fishes.

ALABALABALABALABALABAMA SAMA SAMA SAMA SAMA S

“Bubba,” is UnfortunatePHOTO: CATHERIN

TTTTTALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DARARARARARTER, TER, TER, TER, TER, Etheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosae..... A rare fishfound only in the Tallapoosa BasinTallapoosa BasinTallapoosa BasinTallapoosa BasinTallapoosa Basin. PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON

PYGMY SCULPIN, PYGMY SCULPIN, PYGMY SCULPIN, PYGMY SCULPIN, PYGMY SCULPIN, Cottus paulusCottus paulusCottus paulusCottus paulusCottus paulus..... A small(up to 4.5 cm), bottom-dwelling fish.PHOTO: CAROL JOHNSTON


s and Animalss and Animalss and Animalss and Animalss and Animalsr the most types of native plants and animals. According4,000 species of plants, 850 species of vertebrates and

mussels) in Alabama. Alabama has more threatened or

STURGEON, STURGEON, STURGEON, STURGEON, STURGEON, Scaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusi. . . . . The last known Alabama sturgeon, is located at the Marion Fish Hatchery (Alabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama River, Perry County).ately, a mate cannot be found and he is unable to reproduce.

NE NORDFELT

BLABLABLABLABLACK-KNOBBED SACK-KNOBBED SACK-KNOBBED SACK-KNOBBED SACK-KNOBBED SAWBWBWBWBWBAAAAACK,CK,CK,CK,CK,

Graptemys nigGraptemys nigGraptemys nigGraptemys nigGraptemys nigrinodarinodarinodarinodarinoda..... Foundbelow the Fall Line inAlabama and northeasternMississippi.PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON

TULOTULOTULOTULOTULOTTTTTOMA SNAIL,OMA SNAIL,OMA SNAIL,OMA SNAIL,OMA SNAIL,

TTTTTulotoma magnificaulotoma magnificaulotoma magnificaulotoma magnificaulotoma magnifica.....

An endangered snailknown to occur onlyin a small portion ofthe Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin.PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON

Only three Alabama sturgeon have been captured since1993, all from the Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama Rivererererer. They are nearlyextinct because of past overfishing, dam constructionand ongoing, human-caused habitat loss.

The fact that these rivers now are ‘elongatedThe fact that these rivers now are ‘elongatedThe fact that these rivers now are ‘elongatedThe fact that these rivers now are ‘elongatedThe fact that these rivers now are ‘elongatedlakes’ with little if any of a once-abundant biotalakes’ with little if any of a once-abundant biotalakes’ with little if any of a once-abundant biotalakes’ with little if any of a once-abundant biotalakes’ with little if any of a once-abundant biotashould be a constant reminder to us all of theshould be a constant reminder to us all of theshould be a constant reminder to us all of theshould be a constant reminder to us all of theshould be a constant reminder to us all of theprice paid for ‘civilization.’price paid for ‘civilization.’price paid for ‘civilization.’price paid for ‘civilization.’price paid for ‘civilization.’

Douglas E. JonesFormer Director, Alabama Museum of Natural History

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ALLIGAALLIGAALLIGAALLIGAALLIGATTTTTOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPING

TURTURTURTURTURTLE, TLE, TLE, TLE, TLE, MacrMacrMacrMacrMacrochelysochelysochelysochelysochelystemminckiitemminckiitemminckiitemminckiitemminckii. . . . . Can reachup to 200 lbs (largestfreshwater turtle) andhas a unique, lure-likestructure on its tongue.PHOTO: GARY STOLZ

The TThe TThe TThe TThe Travravravravravels of William Bartramels of William Bartramels of William Bartramels of William Bartramels of William BartramIn the 1770’s, the King of England commissioned thenaturalist and explorer, William Bartram, to study localculture and collect plants and animals in the SoutheastU.S. His journal, Travels, documents a wild and pristineland, including a “magnificent forest” and a litter of redwolves, now eliminated from Alabama. An 8.5 miletrail in the Tuskegee National Forest (TTTTTallapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Basinasinasinasinasin)marks part of Bartram’s travels.

ALABALABALABALABALABAMA LEAAMA LEAAMA LEAAMA LEAAMA LEATHER FLOWER, THER FLOWER, THER FLOWER, THER FLOWER, THER FLOWER, Clematis socialisClematis socialisClematis socialisClematis socialisClematis socialis..... Aperennial herb that grows near forest edges, creeksand ditches and is found only in the Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin(Cherokee and St. Clair Counties). PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON


Alabama BasinAlabama BasinAlabama BasinAlabama BasinAlabama Basin

MontgMontgMontgMontgMontgomeryomeryomeryomeryomery

MonrMonrMonrMonrMonroevilleoevilleoevilleoevilleoeville

Landuse in the River BasinsLanduse in the River BasinsLanduse in the River BasinsLanduse in the River BasinsLanduse in the River BasinsThe water quality and quantity of the ACT Basinare influenced by a variety of urban and ruralland uses. The landuse maps on these pages weregenerated from 1992-93 satellite images. Riverbasins are outlined in white. The orange orange orange orange orange linerepresents the Fall Line, which is the borderbetween the Piedmont (foothills) and CoastalPlain of Alabama. Virtually all of the AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaRivRivRivRivRivererererer is in the Coastal Plain, whereas much ofthe Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa flows through the Valley and RidgeProvince and the TTTTTallapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa is in the Piedmont.

FORESTFORESTFORESTFORESTFORESTThree quarters of the ACT Basin(15,400 sq. miles) is covered by forests,which filter and purify water, conserve soil,and enhance wildlife. The most abundantnative vegetative community in the ACT Basin is the oak-hickory-pine forest.

In the early 1920’s, thousands of acres of virgin long leaf pine trees were harvested along the proposed shoreline ofthe Lake Martin reservoir. Timber not used to build a camp at Cherokee Bluffs was lashed together and piled oncleared land below the proposed waterline. Hundreds of these trees lay perfectly preserved in the lake today.

Land Use PercentagesAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabama CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosa TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosa

FFFFForororororestestestestest 6363636363 7979797979 7676767676

AgAgAgAgAgriculturriculturriculturriculturricultureeeee 2121212121 1515151515 1515151515

Urban/SubUrban/SubUrban/SubUrban/SubUrban/Suburbanurbanurbanurbanurban 11111 22222 11111

ClearClearClearClearClearcut/Barrcut/Barrcut/Barrcut/Barrcut/Barrenenenenen 22222 22222 11111

WWWWWetlandetlandetlandetlandetland 1111111111 11111 44444

WWWWWater/Lakesater/Lakesater/Lakesater/Lakesater/Lakes 11111 22222 22222

Quarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/Mining <1<1<1<1<1 <1<1<1<1<1 <1<1<1<1<1

AAAAAGRICULGRICULGRICULGRICULGRICULTURETURETURETURETUREAgriculture is still an important factor in the economy

of the basins, making up about 17% (3,500 sq. miles)of the landuse. In the Alabama BAlabama BAlabama BAlabama BAlabama Basinasinasinasinasin corn, hay,

peanuts, potatoes, and soybeans are the principalcrops, and livestock, poultry production and

dairying are increasing in importance. In theTTTTTallapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Ballapoosa Basinasinasinasinasin, agriculture is primarilyrestricted to poultry and livestock operations andCarroll County, GA ranks in the top ten counties

nationally for cattle and broiler chickenproduction.

URBAN/SUBURBAN/SUBURBAN/SUBURBAN/SUBURBAN/SUBURBANURBANURBANURBANURBANMost of the ACT Basin’s nearly three million people live in cities and suburbs.Urban centers impact water quality by such things as stormwater runoff andsoil erosion from construction sites. By decreasing tree cover to make roomfor homes and paved roads (impermeable surfaces), flooding often increases.

SelmaSelmaSelmaSelmaSelma


Tallapoosa BasinTallapoosa BasinTallapoosa BasinTallapoosa BasinTallapoosa Basin

Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin

AL GAAL GAAL GAAL GAAL GA

AtlantaAtlantaAtlantaAtlantaAtlanta

RomeRomeRomeRomeRome

DaltonDaltonDaltonDaltonDalton

ClevClevClevClevClevelandelandelandelandeland

CarrCarrCarrCarrCarrolltonolltonolltonolltonolltonAnnistonAnnistonAnnistonAnnistonAnniston

GadsdenGadsdenGadsdenGadsdenGadsden

CalhounCalhounCalhounCalhounCalhoun

AubAubAubAubAuburn/urn/urn/urn/urn/OpelikaOpelikaOpelikaOpelikaOpelika

MontgMontgMontgMontgMontgomeryomeryomeryomeryomery TTTTTuskeguskeguskeguskeguskegeeeeeeeeee

AlexanderAlexanderAlexanderAlexanderAlexanderCityCityCityCityCity

TNTNTNTNTN WETLWETLWETLWETLWETLANDANDANDANDANDWetlands cover a significant

portion of the southeasternUnited States and

support a diversepopulation of plantsand animals. Theyreceive streamoverflow fromfloodwaters, which

helps to reduceerosion and creates

habitat for fishes,amphibians and other

animals. They are also valued as sourcesof carbon for the stream environment, forfiltering runoff that enters the groundwater,

and for recycling nutrients. Wetlands areabundant in the ACT Basin below the Fall Line, where

the rivers widen and meander. These wetlands consistprimarily of bottomland hardwood forests with many types

of vegetation such as oak, gum, andcypress trees.

QQQQQUUUUUARRARRARRARRARRY/MININGY/MININGY/MININGY/MININGY/MININGThere are many raw materials sought after in the ACTBasin including gravel, limestone, platinum, gold, granite,

coalbed methane, and oil. For example, a large marbleformation extends northeast from the bank of the Coosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa Rivererererer

in Talladega County for about 60 miles, creating the Marble Valley.Although quarries and mining occur in less than 1% of the Basin,

their potential impacts on streams and groundwater are significant. Impactsmay include acid drainage, sink holes, metal contamination, increasedturbidity and low dissolved oxygen.

Urban centers also have demanding water needs. For example, theAtlanta metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing urban areasin America and greatly affects the upper Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosabasins. For almost a decade, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida havebeen negotiating a water resource allocation plan, because of Atlanta’sincreasing demand for additional water sources. Future flows withinthe ACT Basin will be vital to the health and prosperity of residentswithin these states. Water quantity and allocation has become acritical and contentious issue.

GULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OFGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OFGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OFGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OFGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OF

POUNDS WERE FISHED FRPOUNDS WERE FISHED FRPOUNDS WERE FISHED FRPOUNDS WERE FISHED FRPOUNDS WERE FISHED FROM THE AOM THE AOM THE AOM THE AOM THE ACT BCT BCT BCT BCT BASIN.ASIN.ASIN.ASIN.ASIN.

PHOTO: ALABAMA POWER ARCHIVE


Balancing Economy and Environment inBalancing Economy and Environment inBalancing Economy and Environment inBalancing Economy and Environment inBalancing Economy and Environment inthe River Basinsthe River Basinsthe River Basinsthe River Basinsthe River Basins

Abundant water, timber, rich soils, coal deposits, and other natural resources have been important for boosting Alabama’seconomy, creating jobs and providing necessary products for all of us. The way these natural resources are used can causeenvironmental problems that negatively affect human health and our quality of life. More than half of these problems comefrom nonpoint source pollution that enters streams from broad areas of both urban and rural portions of a watershed.Possible problems may include...

9

–”

DamsDamsDamsDamsDams❖ Changes in natural river flow patterns and levels❖ Drastic water temperature and oxygen changes

downstream from dam releases

FFFFForororororestry Practicesestry Practicesestry Practicesestry Practicesestry Practices❖ Erosion and runoff from unprotected clearcuts

SOIL ERSOIL ERSOIL ERSOIL ERSOIL EROSION AND STREAM SEDIMENTOSION AND STREAM SEDIMENTOSION AND STREAM SEDIMENTOSION AND STREAM SEDIMENTOSION AND STREAM SEDIMENTAAAAATION FOLLOWINGTION FOLLOWINGTION FOLLOWINGTION FOLLOWINGTION FOLLOWING

A FOREST CLEARCUTA FOREST CLEARCUTA FOREST CLEARCUTA FOREST CLEARCUTA FOREST CLEARCUT..... PHOTOS: RUSSELL WRIGHT

Nitrogen and phosphorus areessential nutrients for plant andanimal growth, but excessiveamounts can stimulate blooms ofalgae and other aquatic plants inwaterbodies. In turn, algal bloomscan impair water suitability for avariety of uses, such as drinking,swimming and fishing.

TTTTTALLASSEE DALLASSEE DALLASSEE DALLASSEE DALLASSEE DAM CREAAM CREAAM CREAAM CREAAM CREATES YTES YTES YTES YTES YAAAAATES RESERVTES RESERVTES RESERVTES RESERVTES RESERVOIROIROIROIROIR

ON THE ON THE ON THE ON THE ON THE TTTTTALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVER.....

Erosion and sedimentation have been a problem inAlabama as far back as colonial settlement. In the1930’s, the Soil Conservation Service, now calledthe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),was formed to address erosion problems and otherland use issues.

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Many dams in Alabama are under consideration for relicensing, whichcould modify how they are managed for power generation andenvironmental protection.

AgAgAgAgAgriculturriculturriculturriculturricultureeeee❖ Excess nutrients and bacteria from animal wastes,

especially CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)❖ Runoff of pesticides and other chemicals from

cropland and pastures

CONTCONTCONTCONTCONTOUR FOUR FOUR FOUR FOUR FARMING AND INTEGRAARMING AND INTEGRAARMING AND INTEGRAARMING AND INTEGRAARMING AND INTEGRATED PESTTED PESTTED PESTTED PESTTED PEST

MANAMANAMANAMANAMANAGEMENT (IPM). GEMENT (IPM). GEMENT (IPM). GEMENT (IPM). GEMENT (IPM). These techniques allowfarmers to conserve soil, save money on pesticideapplications and reduce contamination of streamsfrom agricultural runoff. PHOTO: AL SOIL AND WATER

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

POULPOULPOULPOULPOULTRY CAFO.TRY CAFO.TRY CAFO.TRY CAFO.TRY CAFO. PHOTO: LARRY RANA


As paved and hard surfaces sprawlAs paved and hard surfaces sprawlAs paved and hard surfaces sprawlAs paved and hard surfaces sprawlAs paved and hard surfaces sprawlacross the watersheds, less open spaceacross the watersheds, less open spaceacross the watersheds, less open spaceacross the watersheds, less open spaceacross the watersheds, less open spaceis left for water to soak down andis left for water to soak down andis left for water to soak down andis left for water to soak down andis left for water to soak down andfilter through to the groundwater orfilter through to the groundwater orfilter through to the groundwater orfilter through to the groundwater orfilter through to the groundwater orsprings that feed the river.springs that feed the river.springs that feed the river.springs that feed the river.springs that feed the river.

Randy Chafin Birmingham Water Works

��

RUNOFF FRRUNOFF FRRUNOFF FRRUNOFF FRRUNOFF FROM STREETS ANDOM STREETS ANDOM STREETS ANDOM STREETS ANDOM STREETS AND

LALALALALAWNS ENTERS STWNS ENTERS STWNS ENTERS STWNS ENTERS STWNS ENTERS STORMORMORMORMORM

DRAINS AND FLOWS DIRECTLDRAINS AND FLOWS DIRECTLDRAINS AND FLOWS DIRECTLDRAINS AND FLOWS DIRECTLDRAINS AND FLOWS DIRECTLYYYYY

TTTTTO STREAMS UNTREAO STREAMS UNTREAO STREAMS UNTREAO STREAMS UNTREAO STREAMS UNTREATED.TED.TED.TED.TED.

E Industrial DischarIndustrial DischarIndustrial DischarIndustrial DischarIndustrial Dischargggggeeeee

❖ Toxic chemicals❖ Heavy metals

¾ Quarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/Mining❖ Soil erosion, sedimentation

and stream turbidity❖ Toxic metal and acid runoff❖ Altered water tables and

spring flows

AN INDUSTRY PIPE IS AAN INDUSTRY PIPE IS AAN INDUSTRY PIPE IS AAN INDUSTRY PIPE IS AAN INDUSTRY PIPE IS A

POINT SOURCE DISCHARGE.POINT SOURCE DISCHARGE.POINT SOURCE DISCHARGE.POINT SOURCE DISCHARGE.POINT SOURCE DISCHARGE.

Urban/SubUrban/SubUrban/SubUrban/SubUrban/Suburban Devurban Devurban Devurban Devurban Developmentelopmentelopmentelopmentelopment❖ Erosion and sedimentation from

construction sites❖ Stormwater runoff (oil, litter, etc.)

from streets and parking lots❖ Lawn and garden fertilizer runoff❖ Inadequate and failing wastewater

treatment

Best Management Practices (BMPs) and goodplanning can reduce or eliminate nonpointsource problems. Specific BMPs for eachlanduse activity may be obtained from theNRCS, the Office of Surface Mining, theAlabama Cooperative Extension System andADEM.

Fish consumption advisories exist forconsiderable portions of the Coosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa Riverererererand tributaries due to PCBs(polychlorinated biphenyls) that pollutedthe streams 20-50 years ago.

A QA QA QA QA QUARRY ALONG CHEWUARRY ALONG CHEWUARRY ALONG CHEWUARRY ALONG CHEWUARRY ALONG CHEWAAAAACLA CREEK IN THECLA CREEK IN THECLA CREEK IN THECLA CREEK IN THECLA CREEK IN THE

TTTTTALLAPOOSA BALLAPOOSA BALLAPOOSA BALLAPOOSA BALLAPOOSA BASINASINASINASINASIN..... PHOTO: MARY LOU SMITH

Rapid urbanization anddevelopment is taking a tollon diverse ecosystems ofAlabama rivers.

The increase in quarries andmines within the ACT Basinhave prompted citizens to callfor policy reforms to protectthe environment and theirquality of life.

PHOTO: MICHAEL MULLEN

SOIL CONSERVSOIL CONSERVSOIL CONSERVSOIL CONSERVSOIL CONSERVAAAAATION BMPsTION BMPsTION BMPsTION BMPsTION BMPs

CAN DRAMACAN DRAMACAN DRAMACAN DRAMACAN DRAMATICALLTICALLTICALLTICALLTICALLYYYYY

REDUCE ERREDUCE ERREDUCE ERREDUCE ERREDUCE EROSIONOSIONOSIONOSIONOSION

AND STREAM SEDIMENTAND STREAM SEDIMENTAND STREAM SEDIMENTAND STREAM SEDIMENTAND STREAM SEDIMENTAAAAATION.TION.TION.TION.TION.

IMPRIMPRIMPRIMPRIMPROPER MAINTENANCEOPER MAINTENANCEOPER MAINTENANCEOPER MAINTENANCEOPER MAINTENANCE

OF SILOF SILOF SILOF SILOF SILT FENCEST FENCEST FENCEST FENCEST FENCES

CONTRIBCONTRIBCONTRIBCONTRIBCONTRIBUTES TUTES TUTES TUTES TUTES TOOOOO

SOIL ERSOIL ERSOIL ERSOIL ERSOIL EROSION.OSION.OSION.OSION.OSION.


There are many water policies and laws from various federal, state and local agencies that are sometimes difficult tounderstand. Virtually all water quality protection laws in Alabama stem from the federal Clean Water Act, passed by theU.S. Congress in 1972. Since that time, the quality of our nation’s waters has improved dramatically because of thecooperative efforts of federal, state, tribal and local governments and the general public.

Water Policy, Law and CitizenWater Policy, Law and CitizenWater Policy, Law and CitizenWater Policy, Law and CitizenWater Policy, Law and CitizenInvolvementInvolvementInvolvementInvolvementInvolvement

The Clean Water Act is subdivided into manysections that influence Alabama’s water.

Three of the main sections are:

Section 305

Requires an assessment of waterbodies every two years

to determine whether designated uses are being met.

The Biennial Water Quality Report to Congress, or

the 305(b) Report, provides summary information

about the quality of the state’s waters.

Section 303

Charges states and tribes with setting specific water quality criteria and developing pollution control programs

to meet them. Designated uses may include drinking water, recreation, aesthetics, irrigation, fishing,

swimming or a combination of these and other activities.

Waterbodies that do not meet water quality standards for their designated water use classification are included

in a 303(d) list (www.epa.gov/waters). EPA requires ADEM to develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs)

for each waterbody included on the 303(d) list. The TMDL is the maximum quantity of a pollutant that

can enter a waterbody without adversely affecting the designated use classification of the waterbody.

Section 319

Provides federal funds through the U.S. EPA to ADEM for

educational an

d technical a

ssistance, su

pporting programs such

as Alabama Water Watch and the Clean Water P

artnerships.

(www.epa.gov/region4/water/nps/grants/in

dex.htm)


Citizens can do mCitizens can do mCitizens can do mCitizens can do mCitizens can do much to pruch to pruch to pruch to pruch to protect their wotect their wotect their wotect their wotect their watershed by:atershed by:atershed by:atershed by:atershed by:❖ Becoming aware of key water issues ❖ Becoming part of a citizen group❖ Neighbor-to-neighbor persuasion ❖ Being the “eyes and ears” for lake/

to reduce pollution stream changes and pollution❖ Raising local awareness and public outreach ❖ Advocating for policy changes and❖ Participating in watershed-based protection enforcement

plans including the TMDL process

PartnershipsPartnershipsPartnershipsPartnershipsPartnerships of local, citizen-based and governmental groups have a high potential for restoring degraded habitats

and protecting water quality.

Many citizen groups have formed within the AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabama, CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosa, and TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosa basins. Several also monitor water qualitywith the Alabama Water Watch program (marked with an *). Although citizen groups come and go, most groups below haveexisted for several years and have provided significant input for environmental protection.

The Alabama Clean Water Partnership was created in1998 to coordinate stakeholders for the restoration andprotection of river basins in accordance with the CleanWater Act. A resulting Watershed Management Planwill represent the diverse interests of local citizens,landowners, public officials, industries and agencies.Citizens may contact ADEM to get involved in the:

Alabama River Basin Clean Water PartnershipCoosa River Basin Clean Water Partnership

Tallapoosa River Basin Clean Water Partnership

Montgomery Water Watch*Montgomery Water Watch*Montgomery Water Watch*Montgomery Water Watch*Montgomery Water Watch*Rambranch Creek OrganizationRambranch Creek OrganizationRambranch Creek OrganizationRambranch Creek OrganizationRambranch Creek OrganizationAlabama Rivers AllianceAlabama Rivers AllianceAlabama Rivers AllianceAlabama Rivers AllianceAlabama Rivers AllianceBoy and Girls Club of Calhoun County*Boy and Girls Club of Calhoun County*Boy and Girls Club of Calhoun County*Boy and Girls Club of Calhoun County*Boy and Girls Club of Calhoun County*Coalition for the Preservation ofCoalition for the Preservation ofCoalition for the Preservation ofCoalition for the Preservation ofCoalition for the Preservation of

Hatchet CreekHatchet CreekHatchet CreekHatchet CreekHatchet CreekConcerned Citizens for a BetterConcerned Citizens for a BetterConcerned Citizens for a BetterConcerned Citizens for a BetterConcerned Citizens for a Better

EnvironmentEnvironmentEnvironmentEnvironmentEnvironmentCoosa River Basin Initiative*Coosa River Basin Initiative*Coosa River Basin Initiative*Coosa River Basin Initiative*Coosa River Basin Initiative*Coosa River Society*Coosa River Society*Coosa River Society*Coosa River Society*Coosa River Society*DeSoto State Park*DeSoto State Park*DeSoto State Park*DeSoto State Park*DeSoto State Park*Fort Payne High School*Fort Payne High School*Fort Payne High School*Fort Payne High School*Fort Payne High School*Friends of Big Canoe CreekFriends of Big Canoe CreekFriends of Big Canoe CreekFriends of Big Canoe CreekFriends of Big Canoe CreekFriends of Choccolocco Creek*Friends of Choccolocco Creek*Friends of Choccolocco Creek*Friends of Choccolocco Creek*Friends of Choccolocco Creek*Friends of Kelly CreekFriends of Kelly CreekFriends of Kelly CreekFriends of Kelly CreekFriends of Kelly CreekFriends of Little RiverFriends of Little RiverFriends of Little RiverFriends of Little RiverFriends of Little RiverFriends of Terrapin CreekFriends of Terrapin CreekFriends of Terrapin CreekFriends of Terrapin CreekFriends of Terrapin CreekGadsden Area Water Watch*Gadsden Area Water Watch*Gadsden Area Water Watch*Gadsden Area Water Watch*Gadsden Area Water Watch*

Gadsden Christian Home Educators*Gadsden Christian Home Educators*Gadsden Christian Home Educators*Gadsden Christian Home Educators*Gadsden Christian Home Educators*Georgia Adopt-A-StreamGeorgia Adopt-A-StreamGeorgia Adopt-A-StreamGeorgia Adopt-A-StreamGeorgia Adopt-A-StreamHatchet Creek Watershed AssociationHatchet Creek Watershed AssociationHatchet Creek Watershed AssociationHatchet Creek Watershed AssociationHatchet Creek Watershed AssociationIda Station Peckerwood CreekIda Station Peckerwood CreekIda Station Peckerwood CreekIda Station Peckerwood CreekIda Station Peckerwood Creek

AssociationAssociationAssociationAssociationAssociationLake Jordan HOBO*Lake Jordan HOBO*Lake Jordan HOBO*Lake Jordan HOBO*Lake Jordan HOBO*Lake Mitchell HOBO*Lake Mitchell HOBO*Lake Mitchell HOBO*Lake Mitchell HOBO*Lake Mitchell HOBO*Lay Lake HOBO*Lay Lake HOBO*Lay Lake HOBO*Lay Lake HOBO*Lay Lake HOBO*Logan Martin Lake ProtectionLogan Martin Lake ProtectionLogan Martin Lake ProtectionLogan Martin Lake ProtectionLogan Martin Lake Protection

Association*Association*Association*Association*Association*Neely Henry Lake AssociationNeely Henry Lake AssociationNeely Henry Lake AssociationNeely Henry Lake AssociationNeely Henry Lake AssociationSand Rock Water Quality Team*Sand Rock Water Quality Team*Sand Rock Water Quality Team*Sand Rock Water Quality Team*Sand Rock Water Quality Team*Spring Creek Conservation AssociationSpring Creek Conservation AssociationSpring Creek Conservation AssociationSpring Creek Conservation AssociationSpring Creek Conservation AssociationWeiss Lake Improvement AssociationWeiss Lake Improvement AssociationWeiss Lake Improvement AssociationWeiss Lake Improvement AssociationWeiss Lake Improvement Association

Auburn Outing Club*Auburn Outing Club*Auburn Outing Club*Auburn Outing Club*Auburn Outing Club*East Central Alabama Alliance forEast Central Alabama Alliance forEast Central Alabama Alliance forEast Central Alabama Alliance forEast Central Alabama Alliance for

Quality LivingQuality LivingQuality LivingQuality LivingQuality LivingFriends of Chewacla-UphapeeFriends of Chewacla-UphapeeFriends of Chewacla-UphapeeFriends of Chewacla-UphapeeFriends of Chewacla-UphapeeWatershed*Watershed*Watershed*Watershed*Watershed*Friends of Hodnett Creek*Friends of Hodnett Creek*Friends of Hodnett Creek*Friends of Hodnett Creek*Friends of Hodnett Creek*Lake Watch of Lake Martin*Lake Watch of Lake Martin*Lake Watch of Lake Martin*Lake Watch of Lake Martin*Lake Watch of Lake Martin*Lake Wedowee Property OwnersLake Wedowee Property OwnersLake Wedowee Property OwnersLake Wedowee Property OwnersLake Wedowee Property Owners

Association*Association*Association*Association*Association*Middle Tallapoosa River ConservationMiddle Tallapoosa River ConservationMiddle Tallapoosa River ConservationMiddle Tallapoosa River ConservationMiddle Tallapoosa River Conservation

AssociationAssociationAssociationAssociationAssociationSave Our Saugahatchee*Save Our Saugahatchee*Save Our Saugahatchee*Save Our Saugahatchee*Save Our Saugahatchee*Tallapoosa River WatchTallapoosa River WatchTallapoosa River WatchTallapoosa River WatchTallapoosa River WatchUpper Tallapoosa Watershed GroupUpper Tallapoosa Watershed GroupUpper Tallapoosa Watershed GroupUpper Tallapoosa Watershed GroupUpper Tallapoosa Watershed Group

Perhaps the most important ingredient in the recipe for a cleaner,Perhaps the most important ingredient in the recipe for a cleaner,Perhaps the most important ingredient in the recipe for a cleaner,Perhaps the most important ingredient in the recipe for a cleaner,Perhaps the most important ingredient in the recipe for a cleaner,healthier, economically viable body of water is an aware, activehealthier, economically viable body of water is an aware, activehealthier, economically viable body of water is an aware, activehealthier, economically viable body of water is an aware, activehealthier, economically viable body of water is an aware, activeorganization of citizens.organization of citizens.organization of citizens.organization of citizens.organization of citizens.Jerry Brown, founding President, Coosa River Basin Initiative

� �

TTTTTALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVERALLAPOOSA RIVER. . . . . PHOTO: BETH MAYNOR YOUNG


In 1819, when Alabama entered the Union,In 1819, when Alabama entered the Union,In 1819, when Alabama entered the Union,In 1819, when Alabama entered the Union,In 1819, when Alabama entered the Union,its leaders designed a great seal that featuredits leaders designed a great seal that featuredits leaders designed a great seal that featuredits leaders designed a great seal that featuredits leaders designed a great seal that featuredthe state’s waterways. In adopting thisthe state’s waterways. In adopting thisthe state’s waterways. In adopting thisthe state’s waterways. In adopting thisthe state’s waterways. In adopting thissymbol they affirmed their belief that thesymbol they affirmed their belief that thesymbol they affirmed their belief that thesymbol they affirmed their belief that thesymbol they affirmed their belief that thefuture of Alabama lay with its rivers. It did,future of Alabama lay with its rivers. It did,future of Alabama lay with its rivers. It did,future of Alabama lay with its rivers. It did,future of Alabama lay with its rivers. It did,and it still does.and it still does.and it still does.and it still does.and it still does.

Harvey Jackson, III

Rivers of History

��

Want More?Want More?Want More?Want More?Want More?FFFFFor further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’ssssswwwwwaterwaterwaterwaterwaterways or how to gays or how to gays or how to gays or how to gays or how to get invet invet invet invet involvolvolvolvolved in pred in pred in pred in pred in protectingotectingotectingotectingotectingyour wyour wyour wyour wyour watershed, contact:atershed, contact:atershed, contact:atershed, contact:atershed, contact:

Alabama Cooperative Extension System334-844-4444 www.aces.edu

Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industrieswww.agi.state.al.us

Alabama Department of Conservation andNatural Resources

334-242-3420 www.dcnr.state.al.us

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs334-242-5694 www.adeca.state.al.us

Alabama Department of Environmental Management334-271-7700 www.adem.state.al.us

Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee334-242-2620

Alabama Water Watch888-844-4785 www.alabamawaterwatch.org

Ala-Tom Resource Conservation and Development Council334-275-3186

Coosa Valley Resource Conservation andDevelopment Council

256-835-0685

Geological Survey of Alabama205-349-2852 www.gsa.state.al.us

Legacy, Inc.800-240-5115 www.legacyenved.com

Mid South Resource Conservation andDevelopment Council

334-244-6903

National Agricultural LibraryWater Quality Information Center

www.nal.usda.gov/wqic

Natural Resource Conservation Service334-887-4552 www.nrcs.usda.gov

The Nature Conservancy of Alabama205-251-1155 http://nature.org/states/alabama

Office of Surface Mining205-290-7282 www.osmre.gov/osm.htm

The Water Course (Alabama Power Company)800-280-4442

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 4)404-562-8357 www.epa.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service334-441-5181 www.fws.gov

U.S. Geological Surveywww.usgs.gov

citizens quide to alabama rivers: alabama, coosa and tallapoosa

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