From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Cahaba Headwaters Collaboration, hosted by Friends of Pinchgut Creek, met on Wednesday, March 30.
The collaboration brought together various stakeholders in Trussville’s watershed including city leaders, river workers, representatives of conservation groups, city employees, and local committee volunteers. Trussville’s rapid growth, comes with many challenges that affect our waterways.
The Cahaba Headwaters Collaboration discussed erosion, invasive species, stormwater runoff, riparian zone care, and green infrastructure.
“We recognize the importance of stewardship in our area, understanding that what happens to these headwaters affects the entirety of the most biologically diverse waterway in our country,” Jean Cox at Friends of Pinchgut Creek said.
Cox said this gathering of people was something Friends of Pinchgut Creek knew could be beneficial.
“Some partnerships were formed that will be helpful to the city in the future,” Cox said.
One of Friends of Pinchgut Creek’s favorite things to come from the Collaboration is that the City of Trussville is going to stop purchasing styrofoam for use in our municipal facilities.
“This is a big win for our waterways and we are proud of our city for setting this great example,” Cox said. “We would love to see other municipalities make the same commitment.”
Ben Wegleitner, River Sustainability Director at Cahaba River Society, said the meeting was important from an information-sharing standpoint.
“Having conservation stakeholders and decision-makers in the same room to discuss priorities and work together on these things that affect Trussville and the Cahaba watershed is so useful,” Wegleitner said. “I’m optimistic that this will lead to stronger partnerships between our organizations and the City and will continue to protect the quality of life in our area.”
Wegleitner said he’s encouraged by the excitement around green infrastructure that will provide nature-based solutions to issues like flooding, erosion, and water quality.
“I think Trussville has an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable development practices and set an example for communities in this watershed,” Wegleitner said.