“The study demonstrates how much biodiversity
remains undiscovered in our region, and the results
help us to better direct our efforts at preserving the
biodiversity of our waterways,” said Helms. “In the
past, the Tallapoosa River basin has been treated
as one unit in terms of waterway management. We
now know that each section of the Tallapoosa River
basin contains unique species and genetic variation,
and this knowledge helps us to provide the state of
Alabama with a better road map for conservation.”
Individual property owners with streams on
their land can also contribute to preserving the
biodiversity of local waterways by keeping sediment
out of the stream.
“When you clear land close to the stream’s edge,
when you mow streamside banks all the way
to the water’s edge, or drive ATVs through the
water, it can increase sediment flow into the water
and unstable banks may collapse,” said Helms.
“Crayfish depend on the habitat near the edge of
the stream for their survival. All property owners
can assist in preserving our region’s biodiversity by
being cognizant of what g