BRD Activities in Alabama
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BRD Activities in Alabama |
- At the request of the International Paper Company, the BRD is tracking the abundance and
locations of sensitive species such as the white-topped pitcher plant, Wherry's red pitcher plant,
Henslow's sparrow, and others found on their forested lands in southern Alabama and the Gulf
Coastal Plain. When habitat requirements of rare species are understood, timber harvest can
be more compatible with species protection.
- The BRD is conducting research on the foraging ecology of both the gray bat and the gadwall
at Guntersville Reservoir and is documenting foraging patterns of wading birds around catfish
ponds in west central Alabama. Results have helped the Catfish Farmers of America and the
Alabama State Catfish Committee design ponds that avoid losses to fish-eating birds.
- The BRD is participating in the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative to develop a
comprehensive plan for acid mine drainage prevention and restoration. In Alabama, efforts are
focused on the Coal Valley watershed that feeds into the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior
River. Twelve Federal agencies, state and local governments, local Natural Heritage
associations and community groups, industry, and academia are involved in this initiative. The
goal is to ensure that the restored watersheds will provide economic benefit and will support
the pre-mining biologically diverse characteristics in the seven Appalachian states. The BRD
plays a vital role in coordinating biological and ecological expertise for the restoration of these
watersheds.
- The rivers of Alabama are home to a wide variety of aquatic species, many of which are not
well known, such as a new black bass in the Apalachicola River basin and a new darter species
in the Mobile basin. The BRD is studying these species to determine their distribution,
abundance, and relationships to other species. Scientists are also working to determine the
range and abundance of six species of imperiled freshwater mussels in the Apalachicola,
Chattahoochee, and Flint Rivers.
- In support of the Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Program, the BRD is conducting a
coastal characterization study of Mobile Bay for the Minerals Management Service. The study
will include developing databases on submerged aquatic vegetation, habitats, biological
resources, and selected cultural features such as oil and gas infrastructures, landfills, and roads.
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 09-Apr-2003 07:22:48 MDT
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