Caulder, M. (2023, July 26). Removal of elba dam could launch eco-tourism opportunities in Alabama. Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/07/26/removal-of-elba-dam-could-launch-eco-tourism-opportunities-in-alabama/70435923007/
The Pea River is vital in Elba, Alabama’s history and it will continue to shape its future. The Elba Hydroelectric Power dam was crucial in the rural electrification efforts of central and south Alabama as at the time of the operation, access to electricity was limited in rural areas and the dam supplied power to the surrounding communities. A flood in 2015 put the dam out of operation. The Dam is now under the ownership of The Nature Conservancy, whose main goal is to remove the dam to restore the natural flow of the river and allow fish passage, mostly for Gulf sturgeon. The plan is to create scenic trails through the river to create ecotourism and uphold the communities surrounding the river in Elba.
Ecotourism has become a great solution to a struggling community in Elba, Alabama. I think The Nature Conservancy’s plan to promote ecotourism in the area through the removal of the failed dam is the right thing to do. Ecotourism would turn a tragic situation for the community that lost access to the dam’s electricity into a great way to uphold the community economically and socially. It would also finally allow the Gulf sturgeon to finally flourish in the river.
What an interesting story. Of course now they have to figure out a way to make up for the power lost. Did they say how long they think it will take to do the project… I have to think several years. Of course we want to think long term. Of course the big question is how much of a draw beyond Alabama residents do they have for ecotourism? Will people travel from out of state? Maybe.
This is a well written abstract and I like your thoughts in your follow up paragraph. Ecotourism can be a wonderful thing, and as I think you already know it needs to be done right or it can cause problems too.
You’re doing great in APES, Julianna. Keep up the good work!
Interesting story on how this relates to the Gulf Sturgeon. I wonder how the rural communities will handle things in the following years, however, as these next ones are probably the most crucial. Without the dam’s reliable energy and the time required to convert the area into an ecotourist spot, it may put stress on the community, so it is good to hear that a foundation like the Nature Conservancy is helming the project.