It Takes a Village to Clean a River: Habitat restoration and mussel recovery on the Paint Rock

During the mussel release, ADCNR Deputy Commissioner Charlanna Skaggs thanked Jones for making his property available for AABC's recovery efforts.

"Raymond has been an incredible partner in the restoration work of the Paint Rock watershed," Deputy Commissioner Skaggs said. "He and his father have served on various boards associated with the Conservation Department, including the Conservation Advisory Board and the Forever Wild Land Trust, and this is one of those projects where the state can partner with private landowners and do some really great work together. We are grateful for his stewardship of this section of the Paint Rock."

Amy Silvano, Chief of WFF's Nongame Resources and Wildlife Health Section, said much of the species recovery work on the Paint Rock depends on habitat restoration efforts and could not be accomplished without support from the State Wildlife Grant Program. Mandated by Congress in 2000, the State Wildlife Grant Program provides states with funding for proactive conservation efforts for species of greatest conservation need and their habitats.

"The State Wildlife Grant Program was established to support a wide range of conservation activities, including research, surveys, restoration and habitat management for species of greatest conservation need," Silvano said. "Each state is required to develop a comprehensive State Wildlife Action Plan to remain eligible for program funding. Among other conservation projects, this funding helps support the Aquatic Biodiversity Center. Paul and his team play a critical role in implementing Alabama's State Wildlife Action Plan by developing and restoring populations of species of greatest conservation need throughout the state, including today's mussel release at the Paint Rock."

State Rep. Mike Kirkland, who represents Jackson County in House District 23, said the mussel release in the Paint Rock at the Jones property is an ideal model for conservation efforts within the watershed.

"As a lifelong resident of Jackson County, I've had the privilege of knowing and spending time on this land for many years, and seeing it preserved is something that means a great deal to me personally," Rep. Kirkland said. "What we witnessed during the mussel release is an important investment in the future of our community and the state of Alabama. Restoring this land will allow nature to do what it does best-help clean and protect our river, provide valuable habitat for wildlife and conserve a place that is incredibly diverse biologically. This is the kind of conservation that benefits everyone, including our residents, our landowners, our outdoor heritage and future generations who will have the opportunity to experience this remarkable part of Jackson County."

State Sen. Steve Livingston represents Senate District 8, which covers Jackson and Madison counties and portions of DeKalb. He is excited to see the legacy of the river protected through the restoration and conservation efforts of the partner organizations working together on behalf of the watershed.

"Attending the mussel release was a special day for me because this is land I've known and spent time on for many years," Sen. Livingston said. "Growing up in Jackson County, I've always understood how important this river and the surrounding land are to our community-not just for the people who live and work here, but for the wildlife and natural resources that make this area so unique. By allowing this land to work naturally to filter and clean the river, we're investing in cleaner water, healthier habitat and a stronger future for Jackson County and the entire state of Alabama. I'm proud to see something that has been such a meaningful part of our community preserved for the generations who come after us.

"We are so proud to have the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, along with Raymond Jones and Mark Yokley representing the Jones family, working together to help preserve and restore the Paint Rock watershed. It takes partnerships like these and people who truly care about this land to make lasting conservation possible."