 | SUSTAINING THE FLOW A newsletter for partners of the Alabama Rivers Alliance No April Foolin' but due to an external email issue, we were unable to send the March newsletter in March as we intended, so please enjoy it now! Welcome to the March 2024 edition of ARA's monthly partner newsletter. This newsletter's aim is to foster collaboration and keep moving forward together in our respective work in Alabama. Dive into this month's newsletter to discover updates on upcoming events, engage in comment opportunities, explore job postings, seize funding possibilities, and stay informed about the efforts of those dedicated to #DefendRivers across the state. | | | | | |  | REGULATORY NEWS & COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES Relevant environmental regulatory updates & opportunities to let agencies know how their decisions can impact your work. COMMENT OPPORTUNITY - BELLA MINA QUARRY ADEM has issued a public notice of application for Air Permit & National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) Permit for a limestone quarry proposed near the community of Bella Mina, Alabama. Grayson Carter & Sons has applied for an NDPES permit to limit treated discharges from the limestone quarry in Bella Mina to an unnamed tributary to Limestone Creek in the Tennessee River basin. ADEM's initial public comment period has already ended, but it has been held open by the Limestone County Circuit Court to allow more community input. See the public notice & instructions on how to submit comments here. ADEM STATEWIDE NPDES NOTICE ADEM has announced a public notice of application for several facilities intending to discharge to waterways in Alabama. There are NDPES permit applications from the industrial, mineral extraction, and other public, semi-public, and private facilities. See what facilities have open comment periods and how to comment here. | | | | | |  | WATER RALLY HIGHLIGHTS AROUND THE ARA OFFICE - Cindy's faith in our ability to collectively heal and protect Alabama's waterways was restored by the amazing group of people, knowledge, and passion that made up our largest, most diverse and most engaging Water Rally yet!
- Martha loved that we have such a wide range of speakers and topics, but her favorite part is seeing all the continued discussions after sessions, and the new or deeper relationships that develop in all the spaces in between. It's awesome to see folks so energized after such an impactful weekend!
- Kelly's favorite part of Rally this year was yelling "WELCOME TO WATER RALLY!" 150+ times -- the most times yet!
- Charles was inspired by seeing Alabamians from all over the state come together to celebrate and learn more about our unparalleled water resources and what it takes to protect them.
- Jack enjoyed stomping and dancing with clean water advocates across cultures and generations as we collectively celebrated the big wins for Alabama's waters in 2023!
- Victoria searched but couldn't find those onions that someone kept cutting during the River Celebration Awards Ceremony! Just kidding - they were emotional and choked up by all the joy and positivity in our movement. And they can't wait to witness our recent Emerging Leaders blossom into bona fide River Heroes!
| | | | | |  | PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS FROM ACROSS ALABAMA Amplifying the voices of those working for change in Alabama by celebrating news, wins of all sizes, milestones, AND ways others could use support! Submit your news so we can celebrate you! - Collaboration spotlight on Alabama Scenic River Trail, Cahaba River Society, & Cahaba Riverkeeper! These organizations are working together to place standardized signage along the Cahaba River. Join them for the Cahaba River Mile Marker Kickoff Party at Cahaba Brewing on 4/19 at 5 pm! More project details here.
- Wild Alabama offers loads of opportunities to get outdoors for a guided hike or clean up during this April and May! Head to their website to see events & register to attend.
- Keep your camera at the ready in Blount County in anticipation for the Friends of the Locust Fork River's 2024 Art, Photo, Video & Poetry Contest! Submission details here, starting April 1st.
- Congratulations to Cahaba Riverkeeper's Dr. Myra Crawford for her recent recognitions! The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health awarded Dr. Crawford this year's Alumni Award for Practice, read more here. ARA also recognized Dr. Crawford as a River Hero at this year's Alabama Water Rally, read more here. We love Myra!
- ICYMI: A gas tanker crashed on I-59 in the early hours of March 2 and spilled into the neighborhoods in Birmingham around Village Creek. Black Warrior Riverkeeper was on scene shortly afterwards. See what the Black Warrior Riverkeeper had to say here.
- R. Scot Duncan, award winning nature writing and biologist, has published another book about the South! Place your order & learn more about Southern Rivers Restoring America's Freshwater Biodiversity here today.
- BHM-ers - Head out to Ruffner Mountain during Saturdays in April for the month-long native plant sale! Learn more & why else you should visit Ruffner Mountain here.
- Want to plug in to what's going on in Alabama's 2024 legislative session? Sign up for updates from some of our partners here: Alabama Arise Daily News Digest here, Alabama Values Progress here, & ACLU of Alabama updates here.
- Last Friday was World Water Day! All the posts about World Water Day were a pleasant break in the normal social media feeds. The United Nations themed the 2024 World Water Day as 'Water for Peace,' recognizing the importance of water in security, peace, and prosperity. Read more here.
This newsletter is created by a small team with limited resources, please use reply to this email or click below to submit newsletter items from your organization! | | | | | | | | FUNDING | LEARNING | EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | FUNDING OPPORTUNTIES - Community Foundation of South Alabama has two grant cycles opening & both are due 5/15
- EPA's Community Change Grants program released a Notice of Funding Opportunity w/ Technical Assistance available for applicants
- Cawaco RC&D Council grants orgs in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, & Walker Counties of Alabama & the grant cycle open til 6/30
| | | | | | Alabama Rivers Alliance
2014 6th Avenue North, Suite 200 | Birmingham, Alabama 35203
205.322.6395 | info@alabamarivers.org | | | | | | | | | | | |
