The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) is taking steps ensure that the Fowl River watershed will be protected for many years to come. On Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 26, the public will have the special opportunity to help create Fowl River Forever, a management plan for the Fowl River watershed. Anyone who cares about the Fowl River and the watershed area is encouraged to attend. Organizers note that the watershed is much larger than many people realize, encompassing over 52,000 acres, with headwaters located near the Mobile suburb of Theodore, Alabama. The river splits just south of Bellingrath Gardens into East Fowl River, which flows northeasterly into Mobile Bay, and West Fowl River, which flows south into Mississippi Sound.

Community Choices Workshops
February 24 | 6:30-8:30 pm at St. Rose of Lima, 2951 Durette Ave., Coden, AL
February 26 | 6:30-8:30 pm at Theodore High School, 6201 Swedetown Rd., Theodore, AL

“We know that the Fowl River watershed is a special place to so many people,” MBNEP Director Roberta Swann said. “This plan is about ensuring that it continues to provide recreational, scenic, economic and other benefits to all who care about it.”

The workshop will focus on a map-based activity to identify significant areas within the watershed that are important to the public and need to be restored and/or preserved. This work will feed into a scientific study that is underway to assess the watershed’s water quality and factors such as changes in land use that could impact the watershed in the future.

“We hope that many people from all parts of the watershed area come out to share their ideas,” said Matt Orrell, a member of the steering committee for the plan. “The more people participate, the better job we can do to be sure the plan incorporates everyone’s vision for the future.”

Fowl River Forever was launched in Fall 2014. The final plan will be completed in Fall 2015 and input from the workshops will help to shape the plan’s recommendations. A short video and more information can be found at www.fowlriverforever.org or please contact Christian Miller at 251-438-5690 or Christian@auburn.edu.