Alabama, Coosa and Tallapoosa

Alabama, Coosa and Tallapoosa ❖ 11111

Citizen Guide

to

Alabama Rivers

Alabama,Coosaand

Tallapoosa

22222 ❖ Citizen Guide to Alabama Rivers

Series Editors: Jayme Oates and Bill DeutschContributors: Eric ReutebuchReviewers: Christy Bise, Norm Blakey, Scott Hughes and

Sergio Ruiz-CordovaCover Photo: Alabama River. Beth Maynor YoungUnlabeled Photos and Graphics: Alabama Water Watch Program

CONTENTS

About these GuidesAlabama’s rivers, streams and lakes are

priceless in terms of their ecological,economic and social benefits.

The purpose of these guides is to provide anintroduction to the unique historical and

environmental significance of the rivers ofAlabama and the intimate link between

land use and aquatic ecosystems.

It is hoped that these guides will invitefurther investigation into our abundant but

vulnerable water resources, enhance thedialogue among citizens and key decisionmakers, and help citizens move toward

strategies of how to best manage and protectAlabama’s waters.

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

THE RIVER BASINSTHE RIVER BASINSTHE RIVER BASINSTHE RIVER BASINSTHE RIVER BASINS 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

LAND USE IN THE RIVER BASINSLAND USE IN THE RIVER BASINSLAND USE IN THE RIVER BASINSLAND USE IN THE RIVER BASINSLAND USE IN THE RIVER BASINS 1010101010

BALANCING ECONOMY ANDBALANCING ECONOMY ANDBALANCING ECONOMY ANDBALANCING ECONOMY ANDBALANCING 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 INVOLVEMENTCITIZEN INVOLVEMENTCITIZEN INVOLVEMENTCITIZEN INVOLVEMENTCITIZEN INVOLVEMENT 1414141414

MORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFO 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

This guide was written and produced by theAlabama Water Watch Program at Auburn University.

Significant contributors and reviewers to the first editionincluded Wendi Hartup, Allison Busby and Justin Ellis.

Funding for the production and printing of this guide was provided, in part, by the

Alabama Department of Environmental Management, theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4,and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Printed: 2002Revised and Reprinted: 2004, 2008

Biological Monitoring on a tributary of the Tallapoosa River.


The 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(infiltration), returns to the air (evaporation andtranspiration) or flows over the land surface (runoff). Surfacerunoff carries dissolved and suspended substances, such aschemicals and sediment. Land use activities in a watersheddirectly affect both water quality and quantity. Water is nevercreated, 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 oflakes, ponds and reservoirs.

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

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

The Mobile Basin is the fourth largest watershed inthe conterminous United States (based on annualmean flow) and is first in number of mussels (175species), caddisflies (342 species), and crayfish (83species).

What is a WWhat is a WWhat is a WWhat is a WWhat is a Watershed?atershed?atershed?atershed?atershed?A 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 and smallwatersheds are contained within larger ones.

Very large watersheds are also called basins. TheCoosa, Tallapoosa, Alabama, Cahaba, BlackWarrior and Tombigbee Basins are all part of thegreater Mobile Basin. We all live in a watershed,no matter how far we are from a river or lake.

9

9

9

9

Boundaries ofAlabama’s riverbasins.

The Hydrologic Cycle, or the Water Cycle, links land,air, and water within a watershed.Graphic: http://www.noaa.gov/

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 liter container, ❖ 970 mL of the one liter container would

be saltwater.

❖ 30 mL (perfume container)would be freshwater in theatmosphere, lakes, rivers, polarice caps, and groundwater.

❖ Only 2 drops of thefreshwater would bein lakes and rivers.


The Coosa River (in blue)begins in Rome, GA,

where the Oostanaula andEtowah rivers converge. The rivers within the Coosa Basin flowthrough 37 counties (2 TN, 20 GA, and 15 AL). Its mainstem is286 miles long and 53% of its 10,160 square-mile watershed is inAlabama.

The Tallapoosa River (in green) begins in northwestGeorgia and flows through 16 counties (4 GA and 12 AL). Itsmainstem is 258 miles long and 85% of its 4,680 square-mile watershed is in Alabama.

The Alabama River (in red) is formed by the joiningof the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers at Wetumpka.It flows through 18 counties before joiningthe Tombigbee River to form the MobileRiver. Its mainstem is 314 miles longand 100% of its 6,110 square-milewatershed is in Alabama.

4 4 4 4 4 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 NationalPreserve, which covers 14,000 acres. Thisarea forms one of the deepest gorges eastof the Mississippi.

5 5 5 5 5 Weiss Lake is knownby fishermen as “TheCrappie Capital of theWorld,” because of itsoutstanding fishery.

Almost the entire length of theCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa River is impoundedwith the following nine dams:11111 Carters Dam, GA33333 Allatoona Dam, GA55555 Weiss Dam66666 H. Neely Henry Dam88888 Logan Martin Dam

1010101010 Lay Dam1212121212 Mitchell Dam1313131313 Jordan Dam1414141414 Walter Bouldin Dam

There are 18dams in the Alabama,

Coosa and Tallapoosabasins (ACT Basin), which

form 16 major reservoirs andcreate more than 170,000

surface acres of water... morethan the Basins’ urban areas

combined. These rivers changeddramatically with construction of

dams that were begun in the late 1800sfor navigation, irrigation, flood control,and hydroelectric power generation.Dam construction brought electricityto thousands of Alabamians, but alsoturned hundreds of miles of rushing

water into acres of elongated reservoirs.

The River Basins

22222 Only a small portion of theChattahoochee National Forestlies within the Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin.The entire forest spreads across18 counties in north Georgia,covering about 750,000 acres.

Numbers on the map correspondNumbers on the map correspondNumbers on the map correspondNumbers on the map correspondNumbers on the map correspondto those in boxto those in boxto those in boxto those in boxto those in boxes.es.es.es.es.


The TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Riverererererhas four dams:99999 R. L. Harris Dam

1515151515 Martin Dam1616161616 Yates Dam1717171717 Thurlow Dam

7 7 7 7 7 The Talladega National Forest is thelargest block of public lands within theACT Basin and contains DuggerMountain Wilderness, a newlydesignated preserve harboring manyunique ecological features. Nearby,Mt. Cheaha is Alabama’s highest peakat 2,407 ft.

18 18 18 18 18 Tuskegee National Forest isthe smallest in the U.S., with11,000 acres. Prior to the federalgovernment’s acquisition, thearea was one of the most abused,eroded wastelands in Alabamawith 80% cut-over land.

23 23 23 23 23 The River Heritage Museumin Franklin (Monroe County)transports visitors to 60 millionyears ago when this area wasunderwater. It showcases a largecollection of world renownedfossils, like the large turritellashells, as well as Native Americanartifacts.

19 19 19 19 19 William Bartram, on first seeing the confluenceof the Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa and TTTTTallapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa allapoosa in 1775 exclaimed,“This is perhaps one of the most eligible situationsfor a city in the world.” Montgomery was later builtjust a few miles south and became a true river town,resting on a great bend of the Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama Rivererererer.

15 15 15 15 15 When Lake Martin was created in1926, it was the world’s largestreservoir. Today it accounts for 31%of the water storage volume for theentire ACT Basin. Camp ASCCA islocated on 230 acres of Lake Martinwaterfront and is the world’s largestrecreational and educational facilityfor people with disabilities.

Falling water, unlike any of the other generousFalling water, unlike any of the other generousFalling water, unlike any of the other generousFalling water, unlike any of the other generousFalling water, unlike any of the other generousgifts of nature, has a quality peculiar to itself,gifts of nature, has a quality peculiar to itself,gifts of nature, has a quality peculiar to itself,gifts of nature, has a quality peculiar to itself,gifts of nature, has a quality peculiar to itself,in that, when it is not being used it is wasted.in that, when it is not being used it is wasted.in that, when it is not being used it is wasted.in that, when it is not being used it is wasted.in that, when it is not being used it is wasted.

W. P. Lay, Founder, Alabama Power Co.River Problems of Alabama, May 1915

� �

17 17 17 17 17 The Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge is one of the world’slongest curved bridges. It spans 1,738 ft. and lies 143 ft.above the TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivererererer near Thurlow Dam at Tallassee.

20 20 20 20 20 Prattville is knownas “The FountainCity” because of itsmany overflowingartesian wells.

The Alabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama River hasthree U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers dams:2121212121 Robert F. Henry Dam2222222222 Millers Ferry Dam2424242424 Claiborne Dam

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

1111111111 The Coosa WildlifeManagement Area is one of35 refuges made available bythe Department ofConservation and NaturalResources. The 37,291 acresare ideal for hunting, hiking,and camping.

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

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


Life Along the Rivers

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

Native CultureNative CultureNative CultureNative CultureNative CultureNative Americans inhabited theACT Basin for thousands of yearsprior to European colonization.The Alabama, Coosa andTallapoosa rivers each have namesderived from Native Americanculture. The indigenous groups ofthe ACT 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 Tallapoosa River.General Jackson’s forces destroyed the Creeks,leaving an estimated 800 dead. As one Americanobserver noted after the battle, “the Tallapoosamight 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.


Cotton and River CommerceCotton and River CommerceCotton and River CommerceCotton and River CommerceCotton and River CommerceAs settlement began in earnest, the fertile valleys ofthese river basins set the stage for Alabama’s economicboom. Cotton was the lifeblood of early Alabamaand the Alabama River was its major artery.Originally goods primarily traveled in one direction,downstream. But with the arrival of the steamboatin 1821, commerce flourished upstream and down.Virtually all of Alabama’s major towns were locatedalong rivers where logs were floated and steamboatswere loaded with both cotton and passengers. Theearly cotton mills were located near waterfalls andrapids which served as the power source for waterwheels. Mills were especially concentrated along theFall Line (prehistoric seashore) of the lower Coosaand Tallapoosa rivers.

At the height of the steamboat era, there were more than 200 landings along the Alabama River. The landings servedas social centers and places to load cotton, fat pine fuel, and river travelers. The Tallapoosa River 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.

William and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam and Cummins LayWilliam Patrick Lay, the founder of Alabama PowerCompany, grew up on the Coosa and envisioned ariver harnessed for the benefits of power productionand barge transport. During the Civil War his father,Cummins Lay, was the only steamboat captain tosuccessfully run a steamboat down, then back up theDevil’s Staircase rapids, saving his boat from the Uniontroops. The Devil’s Staircase, now flooded under thewaters of Lake Jordan, was never photographed.

Native Sons and DaughtersFamous folks from the Alabama, Coosa, and Tallapoosa Basins include:❖ Alabama (Ft. Payne) - nationally known country band, Mountain Music❖ Hugo L. Black (Ashland) - Associate Supreme Court Justice❖ Nat “King” Cole (Montgomery) - entertainer, 1985 Lifework Award for Performing Achievement❖ Freddie Hart (Loachapoka) - songwriter, two Grammy Awards for Easy Loving❖ Dr. Percy LaVon Julian (Montgomery) - world renowned chemist, synthesized cortisone❖ Nelle Harper Lee (Monroeville) - Pulitzer prize author, To Kill a Mockingbird❖ Jim Nabors (Sylacauga) - singer, actor, “Gomer Pyle”❖ Rosa Louise Parks (Tuskegee) - Civil Rights activist, 1996 Medal of Freedom❖ Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores (Tuskegee) - Internationally known pop group, Brick House

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

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


ALABAMA CANEBRAKEALABAMA CANEBRAKEALABAMA CANEBRAKEALABAMA CANEBRAKEALABAMA CANEBRAKE

PITCHER PLANTPITCHER PLANTPITCHER PLANTPITCHER PLANTPITCHER PLANT, , , , , Sarracenia rubraSarracenia rubraSarracenia rubraSarracenia rubraSarracenia rubra(above). (above). (above). (above). (above). Found only in the AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaBasinBasinBasinBasinBasin. GREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANTGREEN PITCHER PLANT, , , , , Sarracenia orSarracenia orSarracenia orSarracenia orSarracenia oreophilaeophilaeophilaeophilaeophila (right). (right). (right). (right). (right).

Found only in the Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin. . . . . PHOTOS: MALCOLM PIERSON

Two of Alabama’s endangered plants, the Alabama Canebrakepitcher plant (in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties) andthe Green pitcher plant (in Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah,Jackson and Marshall counties) grow on the moist soil of boggyareas, streambanks and seeps. To survive and grow, pitcher plantsneed periodic fire to maintain an open, sunny habitat.

The threatened Pygmy sculpin only occurs inColdwater Spring (Calhoun County) in the CoosaBasin. 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 inthe nation. It harbors a high number of federallyprotected species including 10 fishes, 10 musselsand 3 snails. There are dozens of other species thatare considered at-risk.

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

Special Plants aAlabama ranks in the top ten in the nation for the most types of naNature Conservancy of Alabama, there are over 4,000 species of pla350 species of freshwater mollusks (snails and mussels) in Alabama.more threatened or endangered species than any state except Hawai

ALABAMA STURGEOALABAMA STURGEOALABAMA STURGEOALABAMA STURGEOALABAMA STURGEO

“Bubba,” was locatfrom 1999 until 200Fortunately, in 2007(Alabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama River, Clathe Geological SurveyPHOTO: CATHERINE NORDF

TTTTTALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DALLAPOOSA DARARARARARTER, TER, TER, TER, TER, Etheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosaeEtheostoma tallapoosae.....

A rare fish found 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 to4.5 cm), bottom-dwelling fish.PHOTO: CAROL JOHNSTON

COOSA RIVER ASSORTED MUSSELS.COOSA RIVER ASSORTED MUSSELS.COOSA RIVER ASSORTED MUSSELS.COOSA RIVER ASSORTED MUSSELS.COOSA RIVER ASSORTED MUSSELS. TheCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa RiverCoosa River harbors 45 species of mussels,making it one of the richest mussel habitats inthe world. PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON


Only four Alabama sturgeon have been captured since1993, all from the Alabama River. 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

��

The TThe TThe TThe TThe Travravravravravels of William Bartramels of William Bartramels of William Bartramels of William Bartramels of William BartramIn the 1770s, 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 (Tallapoosa Basin)marks part of Bartram’s travels.

nts and Animalse most types of native plants and animals. According to The000 species of plants, 850 species of vertebrates and nearlyssels) in Alabama. In spite of high biodiversity, Alabama hasstate except Hawaii.

ALL IGAALLIGAALLIGAALLIGAALLIGATTTTTOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPINGOR SNAPPING

TURTLE, TURTLE, TURTLE, TURTLE, TURTLE, Macroche lysMacroche lysMacroche lysMacroche lysMacroche lystemminckiitemminckiitemminckiitemminckiitemminckii. . . . . Can reach up to200 lbs (largest freshwaterturtle) and has a unique, lure-like structure on its tongue.PHOTO: GARY STOLZ

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

TTTTTulotoma magni f icaulotoma magni f icaulotoma magni f icaulotoma magni f icaulotoma magni f ica..... Anendangered snail known tooccur only in a small portionof the Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin.PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON

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

Graptemys nigrinodaGraptemys nigrinodaGraptemys nigrinodaGraptemys nigrinodaGraptemys nigrinoda..... Found belowthe Fall Line in Alabama andnortheastern Mississippi.PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSON

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, creeks andditches and is found only in the Coosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa BasinCoosa Basin(Cherokee and St. Clair Counties).PHOTO: MALCOLM PIERSONABAMA STURGEON, ABAMA STURGEON, ABAMA STURGEON, ABAMA STURGEON, ABAMA STURGEON, Scaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusiScaphirhynchus suttkusi. . . . . The last Alabama sturgeon in captivity,

ubba,” was located at the Marion Fish Hatchery (Alabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama RiverAlabama River, Perry County)m 1999 until 2003. Unfortunately, a mate could not be found before he died.rtunately, in 2007 another male sturgeon was found near Claiborne Lock and Damlabama Riverlabama Riverlabama Riverlabama Riverlabama River, Clarke County), tagged with a sonic locator, and has been tracked by Geological Survey of Alabama ever since.TO: CATHERINE NORDFELT


Land Use in the River BasinsThe water quality and quantity of the ACTBasin are influenced by a variety of urban andrural land uses. The landuse maps on these pageswere generated from 1992-93 satellite images.River basins are outlined in white. The orangeline represents the Fall Line, which is the borderbetween the Piedmont (foothills) and CoastalPlain of Alabama. Virtually all of the AlabamaBasin is in the Coastal Plain, whereas much ofthe Coosa Basin flows through the Valley andRidge Province and the Tallapoosa Basin is inthe Piedmont.

Land Use Percentages

AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabama CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosa TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosa

ForestForestForestForestForest 6363636363 7979797979 7676767676

AgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgriculture 2121212121 1515151515 1515151515

Urban/SuburbanUrban/SuburbanUrban/SuburbanUrban/SuburbanUrban/Suburban 11111 22222 11111

Clearcut/BarrenClearcut/BarrenClearcut/BarrenClearcut/BarrenClearcut/Barren 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

Alabama Basin

FORESTS cover three quarters of the ACTBasin (15,400 sq. miles), which filter and purifywater, conserve soil, and enhance wildlife. Themost abundant native vegetative community inthe ACT Basin is the oak-hickory-pine forest.

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

AGRICULTURE is still an important factor in the economyof the basins, making up about 17% (3,500 sq. miles) of

the land use. In the Alabama Basin corn, hay, peanuts,potatoes, and soybeans are the principal crops, and

livestock, poultry production and dairying areincreasing in importance. In the TallapoosaBasin, agriculture is primarily restricted topoultry and livestock operations. CarrollCounty, GA, ranks in the top ten countiesnationally for cattle and broiler chickenproduction.

URBAN/SUBURBAN areas make up a small percentage in theACT Basin, however, nearly three million people live in its cities and suburbs.

Urban centers impact water quality by such things as stormwater runoff and soilerosion from construction sites. By decreasing tree cover to make room for homes

and paved roads (impermeable surfaces), flooding often increases.


TNTNTNTNTNAL GAAL GAAL GAAL GAAL GA

Coosa Basin

Tallapoosa Basin

GULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OF POUNDSGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OF POUNDSGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OF POUNDSGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OF POUNDSGULF STURGEON WEIGHING HUNDREDS OF POUNDS

WERE FISHED FRWERE FISHED FRWERE FISHED FRWERE FISHED FRWERE 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

Urban centers also have demanding water needs. For example,the Atlanta metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing urbanareas in America and greatly affects the upper Coosa andTallapoosa basins. For almost a decade, Alabama, Georgia, andFlorida have been negotiating a water resource allocation plan,because of Atlanta’s increasing demand for additional watersources. Future flows within the ACT Basin will be vital to thehealth and prosperity of residents within these states. Waterquantity and allocation has become a critical and contentiousissue.

WETLANDS cover a significant portion of the southeasternUnited States and support a diverse population

of plants and animals. They receivestream overflow from floodwaters,

which helps to reduce erosionand creates habitat for fishes,

amphibians and otheranimals. They arealso valued assources of carbonfor the streamenvironment, forfiltering runoff

that enters thegroundwater, and

for recycling nutrients.Wetlands are abundant in

the ACT Basin below the FallLine, where the rivers widen and

meander. These wetlands consist primarily ofbottomland hardwood forests with many types

of vegetation such as oak,gum, and cypress trees.

QUARRY/MINING occur in less than 1% of theBasin, however, their potential impacts on streams andgroundwater could be significant. Impacts may includeacid drainage, sink holes, metal contamination, increasedturbidity and low dissolved oxygen. There are many rawmaterials sought after in the Basin including gravel,

limestone, platinum, gold, granite, coalbed methane, andoil. For example, a large marble formation extends northeast

from the bank of the Coosa River in Talladega County forabout 60 miles, creating the Marble Valley.


Nitrogen and phosphorus are essentialnutrients for plant and animal growth,but excessive amounts in waterbodiescan stimulate algal blooms and aquaticweeds. These blooms and subsequentdie-offs of plants can impair watersuitability for uses including 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 in Alabamaas far back as colonial settlement. In the 1930s, the SoilConservation Service, now called the Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS), was formed to addresserosion problems and other land use issues.

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

AgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgriculture❖ Excess nutrients and bacteria from animal wastes, including wastes

from CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)❖ Runoff of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals from cropland

and pastures

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

Balancing Economy and Environmentin the River Basins

Abundant water, timber, rich soils, minerals, 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 extracted,managed and used can cause environmental problems that negatively affect human health and our quality of life. Morethan half of these problems come from nonpoint source pollution that enters streams from broad areas of both urban andrural portions of a watershed. Possible problems may include...

ALABALABALABALABALABAMA PAMA PAMA PAMA PAMA PASTURE.ASTURE.ASTURE.ASTURE.ASTURE. Over the last fewdecades in Alabama, conversion of rowcropagriculture to pasture has reduced soil erosionand pesticide runoff to streams. PHOTO: www.aces.edu

9 DamsDamsDamsDamsDams

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

from dam releases❖ Alteration to wetland habitats❖ Extinction of animals dependent on flowing water

Forestry PracticesForestry PracticesForestry PracticesForestry PracticesForestry Practices❖ Erosion from improper logging practices❖ Damage to vulnerable headwater

stream ecosystems

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


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 ChafinBirmingham Water Works

��

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.

Fish consumption advisories exist forconsiderable portions of the Coosa Riverand 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

The increase in quarriesand mines within theACT Basin haveprompted citizens to callfor policy reforms toprotect the environmentand their quality of life.

Solutions to many environmental problems are achieved through BestManagement Practices (BMPs), education, good planning, andenforcement. Specific BMPs for each land use activity may be obtainedfrom the NRCS, Office of Surface Mining, Alabama Forestry Commision,Alabama Cooperative Extension System or ADEM.

Urban/Suburban/ Rural DevelopmentUrban/Suburban/ Rural DevelopmentUrban/Suburban/ Rural DevelopmentUrban/Suburban/ Rural DevelopmentUrban/Suburban/ Rural Development❖ Reduced infiltration of water to soil, inhibiting groundwater recharge

because of impervious surfaces❖ Untreated runoff from paved areas and lawns, including pet wastes,

entering storm drains that flow directly to streams❖ Pathogen contamination from inadequate and

failing septic systems

ERERERERERODED SOIL WODED SOIL WODED SOIL WODED SOIL WODED SOIL WASHING INTASHING INTASHING INTASHING INTASHING INTO STO STO STO STO STORMORMORMORMORM

DRAINS AND CREEKS.DRAINS AND CREEKS.DRAINS AND CREEKS.DRAINS AND CREEKS.DRAINS AND CREEKS.

PHOTO: MICHAEL MULLEN

BMPs CAN DRAMABMPs CAN DRAMABMPs CAN DRAMABMPs CAN DRAMABMPs CAN DRAMATICALLTICALLTICALLTICALLTICALLYYYYY

REDUCE ERREDUCE ERREDUCE ERREDUCE ERREDUCE EROSION ANDOSION ANDOSION ANDOSION ANDOSION AND

STREAM SEDIMENTSTREAM SEDIMENTSTREAM SEDIMENTSTREAM SEDIMENTSTREAM SEDIMENTAAAAATION.TION.TION.TION.TION.

INADEQINADEQINADEQINADEQINADEQUAUAUAUAUATE BMPs CONTRIBTE BMPs CONTRIBTE BMPs CONTRIBTE BMPs CONTRIBTE BMPs CONTRIBUTEUTEUTEUTEUTE

TTTTTO SOIL ERO SOIL ERO SOIL ERO SOIL ERO SOIL EROSION. OSION. OSION. OSION. OSION. PHOTOS: ADEM

Quarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/MiningQuarry/Mining❖ Soil erosion and stream

turbidity❖ Toxic metal and acid

runoff❖ Altered water tables and

spring flows

Industrial DischarIndustrial DischarIndustrial DischarIndustrial DischarIndustrial Dischargggggeeeee❖ Toxic chemicals❖ Heavy metals❖ Thermal pollution


The Clean Water Act is subdivided into many sections thatinfluence Alabama’s water. Three of the main sections are:

Water Policy, Law and Citizen

InvolvementMany federal, state and local agencies implement rules and regulations designed to protect,restore, and maintain waterquality. Virtually all water quality protection laws in Alabama stem from the federal Clean Water Act, passed by the U.S.Congress in 1972. Since that time, the quality of our nation’s waters has improved dramatically with cooperative efforts offederal, state, tribal and local governments and the general public. Much cleanup work remains to be done, however.

Section 305Requires 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 319

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

educational and technical assistance and programs such as

Alabama Water Watch and the Clean Water P

artnerships.

(www.epa.gov/region4/water/nps/grants/index.htm)

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.


Citizens can do much to protect their watershed by:Citizens can do much to protect their watershed by:Citizens can do much to protect their watershed by:Citizens can do much to protect their watershed by:Citizens can do much to protect their watershed by:❖ Becoming aware of key water issues❖ Becoming part of a citizen group❖ Engaging in public outreach and education❖ Being the “eyes and ears” for environmental

changes and pollution❖ Advocating policy changes and enforcement

❖ Practicing neighbor-to-neighbor persuasionto reduce pollution

❖ Participating in watershed-based protectionplans, including the TMDL process

Partnerships of local citizens, landowners, business, industry and governmental agencies have a high potential

for restoring degraded habitats and protecting water quality.

Many water-related citizen groups have formed within the AlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabamaAlabama,CoosaCoosaCoosaCoosaCoosa, and TTTTTallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosaallapoosa Basins. Several monitor water quality asAlabama Water Watch volunteers (marked with* ). Although citizengroups come and go, most groups listed here have existed forseveral years and have significantly improved environmentaleducation and protection.

The Alabama Clean Water Partnership was created in 2000to coordinate stakeholders for the restoration andprotection of river basins in accordance with the CleanWater Act. Resulting Watershed Management Plans willrepresent the diverse interests of all stakeholders. Citizensmay contact ACWP or ADEM to get involved in the:

Alabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama RivAlabama River Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Water Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnershipater PartnershipCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa RivCoosa River Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Water Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnership

TTTTTallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa Rivallapoosa River Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Wer Basin Clean Water Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnershipater Partnership

ALABAMAALABAMAALABAMAALABAMAALABAMABridge Creek Scouts*Camp Creek Water Watcher*Tri-River Region Water Watch*Rambranch Creek Organization

COOSACOOSACOOSACOOSACOOSAAlabama Rivers AllianceCoalition for the Preservation of Hatchet CreekConcerned Citizens for a Better EnvironmentCoosa River Basin Initiative*Fort Payne High School Junior Team*Friends of Big Canoe CreekFriends of Choccolocco Creek*Friends of Kelly CreekFriends of Little RiverFriends of Terrapin Creek

Gadsden Area Water Watch*Gadsden Water Works*Georgia Adopt-A-StreamHatchet Creek Watershed AssociationH Neely Henry Lake Association*Ida Station Peckerwood Creek AssociationLake Jordan HOBO*Lake Mitchell HOBO*Lay Lake HOBO*Logan Martin Lake Protection Association*Plainview Sixth Grade*SOULS Water Watch*Spring Creek Conservation AssociationTri-River Region*Valley Head School*Weiss Lake Improvement Association

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

TALLAPOOSATALLAPOOSATALLAPOOSATALLAPOOSATALLAPOOSAAuburn Outing Club*Chewacla Water Watch*Coast Guard Auxiliary/Montgomery*East Central Alabama Alliance for

Quality LivingEnvironmental Awareness Organization*Friends of Chewacla-Uphapee

Watershed*Friends of Hodnett Creek*Gran-Knights of the Waterhole*Jake & Donny Water Watch*Lake Watch of Lake Martin*Lake Wedowee Property Owners Assoc.*Save Our Saugahatchee*Tallapoosa River WatchTri-River Region Water Watch*Upper Tallapoosa Watershed Group

Perhaps the most important ingredient inPerhaps the most important ingredient inPerhaps the most important ingredient inPerhaps the most important ingredient inPerhaps the most important ingredient inthe recipe for a cleaner, healthier,the recipe for a cleaner, healthier,the recipe for a cleaner, healthier,the recipe for a cleaner, healthier,the recipe for a cleaner, healthier,economically viable body of water is aneconomically viable body of water is aneconomically viable body of water is aneconomically viable body of water is aneconomically viable body of water is anaware, active organization of citizens.aware, active organization of citizens.aware, active organization of citizens.aware, active organization of citizens.aware, active organization of citizens.

Jerry Brownfounding President, Coosa River Basin Initiative

� �


In 1819, when Alabama entered the Union, itsIn 1819, when Alabama entered the Union, itsIn 1819, when Alabama entered the Union, itsIn 1819, when Alabama entered the Union, itsIn 1819, when Alabama entered the Union, itsleaders designed a great seal that featured theleaders designed a great seal that featured theleaders designed a great seal that featured theleaders designed a great seal that featured theleaders designed a great seal that featured thestate’s waterways. In adopting this symbol theystate’s waterways. In adopting this symbol theystate’s waterways. In adopting this symbol theystate’s waterways. In adopting this symbol theystate’s waterways. In adopting this symbol theyaffirmed their belief that the future of Alabamaaffirmed their belief that the future of Alabamaaffirmed their belief that the future of Alabamaaffirmed their belief that the future of Alabamaaffirmed their belief that the future of Alabamalay with its rivers. It did, and it still does.lay with its rivers. It did, and it still does.lay with its rivers. It did, and it still does.lay with its rivers. It did, and it still does.lay with its rivers. It did, and it still does.

Harvey Jackson, IIIRivers of History

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More InfoFFFFFor further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’or further information about Alabama’s ws ws ws ws waterwaterwaterwaterwaterways or howays or howays or howays or howays or howto gto gto gto gto get invet invet invet invet involvolvolvolvolved in pred in pred in pred in pred in protecting your wotecting your wotecting your wotecting your wotecting your watershed, contact:atershed, contact:atershed, contact:atershed, contact:atershed, contact:

Alabama Clean Water Partnership205-266-6285 www.cleanwaterpartnership.org

Alabama Department of Environmental Management334-271-7700 adem.alabama.gov

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

Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries334-240-7100 www.agi.alabama.gov

Alabama Department of Conservation andNatural Resources

334-242-3486 www.outdooralabama.com

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs334-242-5591 www.adeca.alabama.gov

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations334-242-8990 www.dir.alabama.gov

Alabama Forestry Association334-265-8733 www.alaforestry.org

Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee334-242-2622 www.swcc.alabama.gov

Alabama Surface Mining Commission205-221-4130 www.surface-mining.alabama.gov

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

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

Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council256-835-0685

Geological Survey of Alabama205-349-2852 www.gsa.alabama.gov

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

Mid South Resource Conservation and Development Council334-244-6903

National Agricultural Library Water Quality Information Center301-504-5755 www.nal.usda.gov/wqic

The Natural Heritage Program334-834-4519 www.natureserve.org/nhp/us/al

Natural Resources Conservation Service334-887-4552 www.al.nrcs.usda.gov

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

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Mobile District251-690-2505 www.sam.usace.army.mil

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 4)202-272-0167 www.epa.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service251-441-5181 http://daphne.fws.gov

U.S. Geological Survey888-275-8747 www.usgs.gov

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

Documents

Alabama, Coosa and Tallapoosa