Jacksonville State’s Little River Canyon is a National Park Service gem, generating almost $500M in economic impact

By: Alabama News Center Staff

Many people thought it was a crazy idea to even think about having Little River Canyon designated as a unit of the National Park Service three decades ago. Much of the land was owned by Alabama Power Company, which had a few smaller parcels in DeKalb and Cleburne counties. The task of successful collaboration was daunting, and most thought it would never happen. Some people were so opposed to the idea that they posted handmade signs on plywood reading “Keep out NPS” and “National Park NO!”

Despite the fears and negativity, the prospect began to come together through an unprecedented partnership of residents, environmentalists, civic leaders, Jacksonville State University (JSU), Alabama Power and local county and city leaders.

Pete Conroy, director of strategic partnerships and special projects at JSU, then-Alabama Power vice president Charles McCrary and others were called to testify before Congress. Despite significant pushback from some congressional members and a few outside organizations, the teamwork paid off with added and essential support from U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill and U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby.

The Alabama Weather Blog is pleased to present an excerpt from a featured article in partnership with the Alabama News Center. For the full post including images, videos, and related links, please visit the article HERE.

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