Cawaco RC&D Helps Sponsor a Stream Restoration Workshop

Jasper, Alabama, was selected to be a pilot town to study stream restoration; the Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) is one of the sponsors of the activity. Representatives from Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extensive System (AU/ACES) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) have collaborated to coordinate the project. The purpose of the collaboration is to put more eyes on the waterways of Alabama and the South. Jasper was selected because of the immense interest exhibited by city officials and local organizations in stream restoration.

The first step in the process was a two-day workshop to both educate those interested in studying the ecological factors of waterways as well as to identify areas for improvement in Jasper’s streams. Three Jasper streams were studied during the workshop: Doctor’s Branch, Tanyard Creek, and Town Creek. Representatives from AU and NCSU led discussions on the factors that contribute to the stream’s quality. Rather than studying the chemical makeup or quality of the water, the workshop addressed how well the streams perform as ecosystems. The topics included such aspects as the number of insects as well as native and non-native vegetation. “We wanted to come to a down and dirty estimate of what Jasper's streams needed,” said Paul Kennedy, Coordinator for Cawaco RC&D.

An assessment of the streams by Dr. Greg Jennings, professor at NCSU, said the streams in Jasper are doing well for being in such an urban area. He was pleased with the number of insects in the streams. However, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly regarding non-native vegetation.

Workshop participants said they learned a great deal through the hands-on activities. Kennedy was pleased by the support of people from the community, particularly the Walker County Commission, the Black Warrior Clean Water Partnership, and the Jasper City Planners. The next step is a meeting where interested parties can discuss ideas for potential projects to help restore the streams.

More information about CAWACO RC&D

January 2007

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