Pascagoula River Basin Alliance

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The Pascagoula River Basin Alliance is a diverse group of stakeholders, including individuals, non-profit agencies, industry, and government agencies. This alliance will: promote continued conservation of naturally functioning ecosystems; foster new scientific research for a greater understanding of natural processes; encourage public enjoyment and understanding of natural resources and their values; and work with communities to explore opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Last September, more than 150 people met in Moss Point to assemble information from years of scientific research and management of the land and water in the Pascagoula River watershed. The participants in the Singing River Symposium--conservation professionals, government representatives, industry leaders and local citizens--also took the first steps to create an alliance for stewardship of Pascagoula River resources and native habitats for decades to come...

The need for such an alliance is clear: The Pascagoula is a world-class natural resource. It is the largest free-flowing, essentially un-fragmented, river system in lower 48 states. Its bottomland forests, marshes, savannas and aquatic habitats support uncommon wildlife such as swallow-tailed kites and gulf sturgeon. Twenty-two threatened or endangered species reside in this river basin.

The watershed, more than most places, is an archetype of the Native American landscape. Birds use its extensive north-south forest corridor as a critical re-fueling and rest stop during intercontinental migrations, as they have for thousands of years. Sturgeons--fish older than the dinosaurs--swim the unfettered length of its waterways to spawn as far north as Hattiesburg. Natural fires burn in its wet pine savannas, as they have for eons, and give rise to some of the most diverse populations of plants in North America.

The Alliance will help protect the Pascagoula River system through education, influence and advocacy, and stewardship. The impressive internal and external network that developed since the Singing River Symposium in September continues to expand. Anticipations are that the Alliance will wield influence, garner advocacy, and will support and champion continued stewardship of the Pascagoula River System’s many resources.

The Alliance is currently led by a steering committee and has three action committees--communication, finance, and education--that provide the means for individuals, government agencies, and businesses to work together to accomplish the mission of the Alliance. Advisory committees are available to provide technical advice and guidance as needed.

Partners:

Pascagoula River Audubon Center
TNC
Land Trust
MDEQ-Pascagoula River Basin Management
East MS Foothills Land Trust

Educational Links

USEPA - Surf Your Watershed
MPB Rhythms of Nature

Other Links of Interest
SARP

Related Files:
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