Almost 50 percent of all documented U.S. species extinctions since European settlement have occurred in this century in the Mobile River Basin. Alabama, through which this vast river system flows, had the unfortunate distinction of being the most extinction prone state in the continental United States, with 98 species lost. Most of our rivers have been impounded for hydropower or dredged for barge transport, resulting in the disappearance of many riverine habitat and species. Within this landscape of species loss, the Cahaba River remains the state’s longest essentially free flowing river, and one of its most biologically significant.

The Cahaba River basin hosts more than 100 rare and imperiled species including many snails, mussels and fish. Mussels include the Alabama orb and Alabama rainbow and critically imperiled snails found nowhere else in the world include painted rocksnail, and Cahaba pebblesnail. The basin has more fish species, 131, than any river its size in North America.

The watershed also harbors a high diversity of plant life. In the mid 1990’s botanist Jim Allison happened upon a “botanical lost world” on the banks of the river in Bibb County. More than 61 rare plants were discovered at the Bibb County Glades. Eight of the species are new to science. Perhaps the most well known plant, found wedged in the crevices of limestone rock in the middle of the river, is the celebrated Cahaba lily.

The wealth of diversity found in and along the Cahaba River, along with Alabama’s dependence upon the river for clean water to drink, cook with and bathe in, is compelling evidence for the need to preserve this fragile watershed. Several conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy and the Cahaba River Society have worked long and hard to protect Alabama’s heartland river. Recently, Washington joined the ranks of those concerned about the future of the Cahaba River watershed.

Legislation that would establish a 3,500 acre National Wildlife Refuge along the river in Bibb County is headed for passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. Co-sponsored by Representative Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills, and Representative Bob Riley, R-Ashland, the legislation will enable federal protection of a 3.5 mile stretch of the river, a beautiful stretch that contains the largest stand of the imperiled Cahaba lilies. “The Cahaba is a special place that deserves to be set aside for conservation,” said Bachus. “By establishing the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, we can wisely use its resources and respect nature’s wonders as well.”

A designation of a National Wildlife Refuge would mean many things for this part of the river. Along with being preserved in perpetuity for conservation purposes, this 3,500 acres will be open to the public. Currently, the only way to enjoy this stretch of the river is to float down or illegally cross private land. As a refuge, Alabamians will be able to canoe and hike along the river, and visit education centers. The legislation also allows for use of the refuge for small-game hunting programs, wildlife observation and environmental education for schools.

Furthermore, Representative Riley said the refuge would be a major boost for the Alabama economy. “When you look at the diversity of the Alabama river system, we go from beaches to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Sitting where we are in this area, we think economically it’s something we can build on for 10 to 20 years.”

The refuge project has drawn unified support from various groups in the state. U.S. Alliance Coosa Pines Corporation, one of the largest landowners within the proposed boundaries, is happy to be playing a significant role in the project. The County Commission has pledged $75,000 to the project and The Nature Conservancy has pledged $150,000. “A diverse coalition of conservation groups, paper companies, state, federal and county agencies have worked hard on this project and all have done their homework,” said Wendy Allen, Director of Land Protection with The Nature Conservancy of Alabama. “Only those landowners willing to sell are included in the proposed boundaries. It means no additional regulations for the river. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

Most importantly, the proposed Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge will be a win-win situation for one of our state’s most beloved rivers, and the true keepers of the river, the people of Alabama.