When reflecting on the remarkable triumphs of America’s conservation efforts, our minds often gravitate towards the iconic landscapes of the Western regions. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the equally significant history of cherishing the invaluable wetlands found in the southern parts of the country.
Among these diverse and thriving ecosystems are renowned treasures like the Everglades, the Great Dismal Swamp, the lush floodplains of the Congaree River, and the awe-inspiring “America’s Amazon,” also referred to as the “Land Between the Rivers.” Recently, this precious ecological gem has been safeguarded for posterity, thanks to the unwavering dedication of generous benefactors and the concerted efforts of organizations like the Nature Conservancy (TNC).
In a moment hailed as truly unprecedented, TNC secured an extraordinary gift – the acquisition of 8,000 acres of pristine wetlands nestled at the convergence of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers, famously known as the Mobile Delta. This significant acquisition, accomplished through a $15 million purchase, underscores a pivotal decision by the landowners. Rather than succumbing to the pressures of the timber industry’s plans for logging in the area, they opted to entrust the future of this vital ecosystem to the hands of conservationists.
“This is one of the most important conservation victories that we’ve ever been a part of,” Mitch Reid, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Alabama, said.
The region is teeming with oxbow lakes, creeks, and swamps bordering the rivers, hosting an abundance of species that places it among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Reid often quips that while it’s aptly named “America’s Amazon,” the Amazon itself might want to consider adopting the title “South America’s Mobile” given its remarkable diversity.
“This tract represents the largest remaining block of land that we can protect in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. First and foremost, TNC is doing this work for our fellow Alabamians who rightly pride themselves on their relationship with the outdoors,” said Reid, who also said to Advance Local that it can connect with other protected lands up the northern portion, in an place called the Red Hills.
“Conservation lands in the Delta positions it as an anchor in a corridor of protected lands stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Appalachian Mountains and has long been a priority in TNC’s ongoing efforts to establish resilient and connected landscapes across the region.”
Currently, there is no formalized management strategy in place, but The Nature Conservancy (TNC) holds the perspective that maximizing public access for recreational purposes is imperative. The funding for the acquisition of the area stemmed from various sources, including a government grant, a substantial contribution from an anonymous donor, and a significant amount from the Holdfast Collective—an environmental conservation fund associated with Patagonia outfitters, which contributed $5.2 million towards the initiative.
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