Welcome to Cahaba River NWR
Credit: USFWS
Cahaba River NWR is one of nation's newest National Wildlife Refuges, the 540th in fact. Established September 25, 2002 for the purpose of protecting and managing a unique section of the Cahaba River and land adjacent to it. Cahaba River NWR is home to five federally listed species including the Cahaba shiner, goldline darter, round rocksnail, and cylindrical lioplax snail.
The Cahaba River itself stretches for almost 200 miles and is Alabama's longest free-flowing stream. The river currently supports 64 rare and imperiled plant and animal species, 13 of which are found nowhere else in the world. The river has more fish species at 131 than any other river it's size in North America. Over seven miles of the Cahaba lie within the approved acquisition boundary. The rolling uplands surrounding the river are forested with mountain longleaf and loblolly pines. Mixed upland hardwood species line ravines and the river's edge.
The largest known stand of the imperiled shoals lily (known locally as the Cahaba lily) also occurs within the Refuge. During summer months, this beautiful plant blooms and people come from across the region to view this magnificent display of nature. There is even an annual Cahaba lily festival that draws thousands of visitors to the area the last Saturday in May.
Getting There . . .
Cahaba River NWR is located in Bibb County, Alabama, approximately six miles east of West Blocton on County Road 24. From I-20/59 take Exit 97go River access is provided by a gravel road on the south (right) side of Bibb County Road 24 approximately 250 yards past the refuge entrance sign.
Latest
Comment period has been extended until December 6, 2010 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EXTENDS PUBLIC REVIEW
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has extended the public review and comment period for the proposed expansion of Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and establishment of Cahaba River Conservation Area in Bibb, Chilton, Jefferson, Perry, and Shelby Counties, Alabama. Public comments on the Service’s Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the expansion of the refuge and the establishment of the conservation area will now be accepted until December 6, 2010. Requests for copies of the draft proposal should be addressed to Ms. Kimberly Eldridge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 420, Atlanta, Georgia 30345, or by telephone at (404) 679-7207 or to Mr. Stephen Miller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O.Box 5087, Anniston, Alabama 36205, or by telephone at (256) 848-7085 . Public comments on the proposal should be sent to Ms. Eldridge no later than December 6, 2010, in order to be considered in the preparation of the Final Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan. The Service also plans to hold an additional public meeting on the proposal; September 2, 2010, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Brent Elementary School gymnasium, 160 4th Street, Brent, Bibb County, Alabama. The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions from the public and accept comments concerning the refuge proposal. The meeting will be organized primarily around a town hall format. The Draft EA/LPP is also available here. A formal comment form can be found here but comments do not need to be submitted on this form to be considered.
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