The Bankhead National Forest hosts Alabama’s sole Wild & Scenic River. Established under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, this legislation aims to protect the distinctive qualities of our country’s exceptional rivers. Enacted by Congress, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System preserves selected rivers renowned for their exceptional natural, cultural, and recreational significance in their natural state, ensuring they can be cherished by both current and future generations.
The Sipsey Fork earned its Wild & Scenic River designation through the Sipsey Wild & Scenic River and Alabama Wilderness Addition Act of 1988. Notably, it sustains a diverse aquatic ecosystem, hosting numerous threatened and endangered species. Among them are the endangered Black Warrior Waterdog and Krall’s water plantain, as well as the threatened flattened musk turtle.
To safeguard these species, Wild Alabama undertakes several measures. We perform monthly water quality tests on both the Sipsey Fork and Brushy Creek, a tributary of the Sipsey Fork. Through our collaboration with Alabama Water Watch, we receive necessary materials and follow established protocols. Collected data is meticulously recorded and entered into the AWW database for comprehensive analysis and ongoing assessment.
These activities are supported by a generous award from River Network. “River Network grows and strengthens a transformational national network of water, justice, and river advocates. We envision a powerful and inclusive movement that ensures abundant clean water for all people and nature to thrive. We believe that joy and hope for our planet flows through our rivers.” www.rivernetwork.org
For more information about how to get involved in water testing, email Jonathan Kelly at [email protected] Jonathan is a certified trainer through Alabama Water Watch and can help you get started.
The Sipsey Fork earned its Wild & Scenic River designation through the Sipsey Wild & Scenic River and Alabama Wilderness Addition Act of 1988. Notably, it sustains a diverse aquatic ecosystem, hosting numerous threatened and endangered species. Among them are the endangered Black Warrior Waterdog and Krall’s water plantain, as well as the threatened flattened musk turtle.
To safeguard these species, Wild Alabama undertakes several measures. We perform monthly water quality tests on both the Sipsey Fork and Brushy Creek, a tributary of the Sipsey Fork. Through our collaboration with Alabama Water Watch, we receive necessary materials and follow established protocols. Collected data is meticulously recorded and entered into the AWW database for comprehensive analysis and ongoing assessment.
These activities are supported by a generous award from River Network. “River Network grows and strengthens a transformational national network of water, justice, and river advocates. We envision a powerful and inclusive movement that ensures abundant clean water for all people and nature to thrive. We believe that joy and hope for our planet flows through our rivers.” www.rivernetwork.org
For more information about how to get involved in water testing, email Jonathan Kelly at [email protected] Jonathan is a certified trainer through Alabama Water Watch and can help you get started.
