A campaign to protect the “wild and scenic” nature of Alabama’s Little River

The Little River Waterkeeper in DeKalb County, Alabama and the Alabama Rivers Alliance have launched a campaign to study, nominate and designate Little River and its tributaries as a National Wild & Scenic River. This designation is one of the most notable and prestigious designations for a stretch of river in the United States. Importantly, the river becomes a part of the prestigious National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, which consists of around 230 rivers and only about 14,000 river miles.

These water bodies are common destinations for visitors and benefit the local area through ecotourism and exposure. Alabama has over 132,000 miles in lakes, rivers and streams in Alabama, however, it only has one Wild and Scenic River—the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River.

Little River Waterkeeper seeks to protect the integrity of the Little River, and ensure it is safe and flowing for generations to come. The organization also strives to protect the biodiversity of the river and maintain the natural beauty it brings. By preserving the Little River, the community will forever be able to enjoy the river through paddling, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation.

Wild and Scenic River designation would ensure that no new dams or impoundments are built on the river. Dams can severely alter the health of the river ecosystem, while also completely reshaping the natural scenery and precluding certain forms of recreation.

The Wild and Scenic River designation would increase awareness, both locally and across the state, of what Little River has to offer; it would also increase tourism and encourage local decision makers to see the benefits of the river to the area economy. By increasing exposure and celebrating the river, Wild and Scenic designation will lead to greater appreciation and involvement within the local community.

Learn more about the Little River Waterkeeper campaign here.