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July 25, 2019

by Cahaba River Society | 0 Comment

Cahaba Current: July 2019

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Get to know Ben Wegleitner, our new River Sustaina

Get to know Ben Wegleitner, our new River Sustainability Director!

Ben is a recent transplant from Lafayette, Indiana where he worked with homeowners, businesses, cities, and Purdue University for education and practical approaches to solve stormwater and drainage issues. He has worked on water quality, land use and watershed planning, stakeholder engagement, and fisheries issues throughout the Great Lakes Basin for the last 5 years. Ben holds a Master’s degree in conservation biology, and his experience and research in fisheries management, invasive species, and water resources allows him to view water quality issues within broader biological and ecological contexts.

When he’s not working, he’s often exploring trails and creeks with his wife, Avril Harder, and their two dogs, Ozzie and Pearl. Ben and Avril are casual anglers but keep a “life-list” of the fish they catch. They’re looking forward to adding to their lists in Alabama. Ben is also a life-long hunter and he’s eager to explore the diverse public lands of the Southeast and the opportunities they provide. Ben and Avril enjoy getting involved with local land trusts and environmental organizations to share their time and knowledge for creek cleanups, invasive species workdays, and bio-blitzes.

Big thanks to @cahababrewing for supporting our wo

Big thanks to @cahababrewing for supporting our work with proceeds from their Goodwill Game Nights, and thanks to everyone who came out to play in support of the River! 🍻

#cleanwatermakesgoodbeer

Welcome our new River Sustainability Director, Ben

Welcome our new River Sustainability Director, Ben Wegleitner!

His main focus will be working collaboratively with cities and developers to educate and advocate for green infrastructure and low-impact approaches to development to protect the river from stormwater runoff and other urban impacts. Ben will also be CRS’ lead for science and policy, building on the achievements of retired Field Director Dr. Randy Haddock.

Ben is a recent transplant from Lafayette, Indiana where he worked with homeowners, businesses, cities, and Purdue University for education and practical approaches to solve stormwater and drainage issues. He has worked on water quality, land use and watershed planning, stakeholder engagement, and fisheries issues throughout the Great Lakes Basin for the last 5 years.

Ben holds a Master’s degree in conservation biology, and his experience and research in fisheries management, invasive species, and water resources allows him to view water quality issues within broader biological and ecological contexts.

When he’s not working, he’s often exploring trails and creeks with his wife, Avril Harder, and their two dogs, Ozzie and Pearl. Ben and Avril are casual anglers but keep a “life-list” of the fish they catch. They’re looking forward to adding to their lists in Alabama. Ben is also a life-long hunter and he’s eager to explore the diverse public lands of the Southeast and the opportunities they provide. Ben and Avril enjoy getting involved with local land trusts and environmental organizations to share their time and knowledge for creek cleanups, invasive species workdays, and bio-blitzes.

Join us in welcoming Ben to Alabama and Cahaba conservation! If you would like to invite Ben’s expertise for river-protective design of development, education, tools local governments can use to better manage stormwater and meet their MS4 permit requirements, or just to have fun on the River, reach him at benw@cahabariversociety.org or 612-616-4487.

Our staff spent some time on the Cahaba yesterday

Our staff spent some time on the Cahaba yesterday removing dangerous tree snags that had formed following the recent storms and high water. When enjoying the River, always steer clear of any downed trees in the water. Combined with the current, these can create a serious hazard. Also, be sure to check water levels and weather conditions before planning a trip--more stormy weather and high water is expected this weekend!

#KnowBeforeYouGo

It's a beautiful day on the Little Cahaba River wh

It's a beautiful day on the Little Cahaba River where Environmental Science Educator La'Tanya Scott has been presenting virtually to Mountains to the Gulf!

To schedule an environmental education program, contact us at clean@cahabariversociety.org.

This #WorldWaterDay, it’s time Congress starts t

This #WorldWaterDay, it’s time Congress starts treating water as a human right. Let’s pass the WATER Act so we can fix our aging water infrastructure & help ensure #WaterForAll! See link in bio for how you can help.

CRS and @cahabariverkeeper, represented by @southe

CRS and @cahabariverkeeper, represented by @southernenvironment, filed a legal action to ensure that the Birmingham Water Works Board fulfills a 20-year-old commitment they made to permanently protect their forested lands around the Cahaba River, Lake Purdy, and Little Cahaba River, a main drinking water source for the Birmingham metro area.

We take legal action as a last resort, and this will only be our 4th in over 30 years. That underscores how essential we believe this action is in order to safeguard healthy, abundant, and affordable drinking water from development that could degrade it and cause higher costs for residents and businesses.

#protectcleanwater #drinkingwater

See savethecahaba.org at the link in bio to learn more.

Does your last name start with C or E? It's time t

Does your last name start with C or E? It's time to renew your car tag! 🚙 🚗 🚕

Own a piece of art for your vehicle while supporting the beautiful Cahaba River.

When you purchase a Save the Cahaba tag from your local licensing office, $41.25 of your donation goes directly to the Cahaba River Society in support of its work to protect and restore the Cahaba River Watershed and its rich diversity of life.

Already have the Cahaba tag? Please renew! Don’t have it yet? Get the tag that protects your drinking water!

We have signed onto the WATER Act (Water Affordabi

We have signed onto the WATER Act (Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity and Reliability Act) and many efforts leading up to this. It’s a water infrastructure bill with priority given to disadvantaged, rural and indigenous communities with funding for water and sewer upgrades and replacement of lead service lines.

These are potential ways this funding could improve the lives of people in our peopleshed:

~ Improve sewage treatment and public health in the Black Belt
~ Create job and economic opportunities in construction and sustainability
~ Help homeowners replace lead water lines that could be permanently damaging their children’s health and limiting their life potential
~ Help restore and rebuild our water systems without burdening ratepayers
~ Help our communities become more resilient in the face of climate change and disasters

Join us in calling your Member of Congress today and tell them it's time to invest in #OurWater is NOW! #PublicWaterForAll

We hope you are staying safe and warm today! Pleas

We hope you are staying safe and warm today! Please share any pics you get of snow on the #Cahaba!

Did you make it to our annual meeting this year? I

Did you make it to our annual meeting this year? If not, don't despair--you can still check the link in our bio to see some speaker highlights, meet our new board members, and watch it on video!

Last chance to register for our annual meeting! D

Last chance to register for our annual meeting!

Don't miss:

*Celebrating Dr. Randy Haddock's career and retirement - Scot Duncan, Professor of Biology at Birmingham-Southern
* 2021 Board Elections
* 2020 Highlights
* Junior Board Update
* Restoring Water Protections and Improving Water Equity – National Opportunities in 2021 - Nat Mund, Director of the Washington, D.C. Office and Director of Federal Affairs, SELC
* Q & A with Speakers

Register for free at the link in our bio!

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