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| "The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives." -American Indian Proverb |
In January, 1991 The Birmingham News revealed that the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) was planning to build a municipal water supply reservoir on the Locust Fork River. The dam would be located just inside the Blount County, Alabama line.
The article also stated that BWWB had been buying land in Blount County secretly through a third party. A small group of concerned citizens of Blount County met to discuss the proposed reservoir and how it would affect the natural integrity of this free flowing river and the lifestyle of the community surrounding it.
After discussing the issue and the secretive actions of BWWB, it was unanimously decided that the river should be protected. The Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR) was formed and officers were elected. The official fight to save the Locust Fork River was initiated. In just a few short months, the support of other local environmental organizations was secured. Membership in the FLFR has steadily increased since our beginning in 1991 from the original founding members to approximately 900 from various parts of the U. S.
Mission Statement
As Friends of the Locust Fork River, we join together to actively preserve the natural integrity of the river in its free-flowing state, and to that end, the lifestyle of the community which surrounds it. It is the position of the FLFR that with efficient management of its water resources and the implementation of a comprehensive water efficiency program, the Birmingham Water Works Board will have ample water supply well into the next century.
Activities that Assist in Accomplishing FLFR's Mission
- Build public awareness of the values of the river through public meetings.
- Sponsor a monthly river crossing cleanup.
- Establish volunteer water quality monitoring points along the river.
- Sponsor an annual river festival to spotlight the beauty of the river.
- Sponsor annual river cleanup during National River Cleanup Week.
- Publish a quarterly newsletter.
- Establish a speakers bureau for:
- educational presentations at schools and other educational events.
- informational speeches at civic, environmental organizations and other groups.
- Provide recreational opportunities that promote the importance and beauty of the river.
