Wildlife Mitigation

Baldcypress Trees

The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway was the first large water resource project ever designed and constructed under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. Many of the engineering and construction techniques first used for the Tenn-Tom to minimize environmental effects later became common practice for public works projects.

Careful attention has also been given to preserving the natural beauty along the waterway corridor. In addition to the project’s lands, some 88,000 acres were purchased to provide prime habitat for wildlife. The Alabama and Mississippi conservation departments intensively manage these lands which are open to the public.There is more wildlife residing along the waterway than  before its construction. Bird species are now so prevalent that organized bird watching tours have become popular.

Stewardship Continues

Bald Eagle

The economic growth generated by the waterway has not degraded the impacted region’s natural environment or quality of life.

Stringent state and federal environmental laws and regulations help ensure that economic progress does not necessarily come at the expense of the environment.

Environmental Education Centers

Two environmental education centers that were built in conjunction with the waterway will help future generations appreciate the importance of protecting the environment. These two facilities are available to the public for workshops, seminars, or retreats. For more information visit the Plymouth Bluff website.  For Crow’s Neck Environmental Center call (601) 438-6751.