 Residents of Clay should take note, as many do not realize this globally-recognized river has its beginning right in our backyard with its headwater streams flowing through our community. The uppermost streams are the most fragile, vulnerable part of the Cahaba and the most significant in impacting the health of the entire river.
Save Our Unique River, Communities and Environment (SOURCE) and the Clay Historical Society promotes public awareness of the source of the Cahaba River and the significance of its headwater streams. The Clay Historical Soceity wrote the text, funded and erected a historical marker titled "The Cahaba, Heart River of Alabama." The marker reads:
On Cahaba Mountain to the NW, springs form a fragile stream that grows as it curves through the steep, rocky terraine of Birmingham suburbs, flowing south on the Gulf Coasal Plains to the Alabama River, at the site of Alabama's first capital, Cahawba. The Cahaba has sustained human life at least 10,000 years and remains a major drinking source. It is known nationally for biological diversity and beauth and at 194 miles, is Alabama's longest free flowing river. It nurtures 69 rare, imperilled aquatic species and the largest stand of shoal lilies on earth.
Impaired:
In spite of its regional and international importance, the Cahaba River has been on on the list of Alabama's impaired waters since 1999, as required by the federal Clean Water Act. The latest Environmental Protection Agency listing of impaired waters includes 136 miles of the Cahaba mainstem and tributaries that do not meet their designated uses and are, therefore, in voilation of the Clean Water Act.
Responsible stewardship of the Cahaba River by all Alabamians is vitally important. However, due to Clay’s prominent watershed location, Clay residents and officials have an especially significant role as stewards of the Cahaba.
Protect:
The City of Clay formed an Environmental Committee to advise the City Council on how to help protect the city's natural resources, including the fragile Cahaba River. One of the issues they are considering is how urbanization pressures in Clay can be balanced with responsible regiulations and enforcement. In the summer of 2009, representatives from the Cahaba River Society showed the Clay City Council how to effectively promote growth and development while protecting the health of the Cahaba River.
More about the Cahaba River:
- Read an introduction to the Cahaba River.
- Read about the northernmost spring that begins the Cahaba River.
- Read about the unique biodiversity found in the Cahaba River.
- Read about the recognition the river has received from outside sources.
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Protect the Cahaba River
