CAHABA RIVER 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 

HUNTING PLAN 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MISSION: 

“To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where 

appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States 

for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.” 

CAHABA RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE MISSION: 

“To preserve, conserve, and restore biodiversity and biological integrity of the Cahaba River ecosystem 

while providing for compatible public uses.” 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................ 3

BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................ 3

CONFORMANCE WITH STATUTORY AUTHORITY ........................................................................ 3

SCOPE AND RATIONALE.............................................................................................................................. 3

LEGAL MANDATES ..................................................................................................................................... 3

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND DOCUMENTS................................................................................... 7

STATEMENT OF REFUGE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................... 7

ASSESSMENT.............................................................................................................................................. 8

DESCRIPTION OF HUNTING PROGRAM.......................................................................................... 11

HUNTING AS A COMPATIBLE PUBLIC USE................................................................................................. 12

HUNTING AS A PRIORITY PUBLIC USE ...................................................................................................... 12

HUNTING REGULATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 12

MEASURES TAKEN TO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH OTHER MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. 14

CONDUCT OF THE HUNT ..................................................................................................................... 15

HUNTING ORIENTATION AND SAFETY ...................................................................................................... 15

ENTRY ACCESS/PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................. 15

LAW ENFORCEMENT................................................................................................................................. 15

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ............................................................................................................................. 15

LIST OF FIGURES 

Fig. 1 Location of Refuge .................................................................................................. 4 

Fig. 2 Refuge Boundaries and Access............................................................................... 5 

Fig. 3 Refuge Signs.......................................................................................................... 14 

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INTRODUCTION 

Background 

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is located near the town of West Blocton in 

Bibb County, Alabama (Fig. 1). The Refuge was authorized on October 19, 2000, when 

the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act (P.L. 106-331) was signed 

into law. The legislation directed the Secretary of Interior to acquire up to 3,500 acres of 

lands and waters within the boundaries of the Refuge. 

On September 25, 2002 the Service established the Refuge and acquired the initial lands 

in partnership with the Nature Conservancy. On October 17, 2006, Public Law No: 109-

363 was signed by the President authorizing the further expansion of the acquisition 

boundary by an additional 3,600 acres. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

has authorized two minor expansions, in 2004 and 2008, expanding the acquisition 

boundaries of the Refuge an additional 688 acres. 

The Service has acquired 3,582 acres of the 7,750-acre acquisition boundary (Fig.2). 

This Hunting Plan applies to all acreage acquired to date. Remaining acreage will be 

acquired, from willing sellers, as funding is appropriated and may be included in future 

Hunting Plans. 

CONFORMANCE WITH STATUTORY AUTHORITY 

Scope and Rationale 

The Refuge has developed this Hunting Plan to guide hunting on the Refuge in a manner 

that allows us to fulfill the purpose for which the Refuge was established as well as to 

provide a public benefit. This Plan has been released for public comment to solicit public 

input into any final decisions on hunting at the Refuge. The final Plan, which will 

incorporate any public comments received, will be the instrument that guides future 

decisions on hunting at the Refuge. 

Legal Mandates 

In response to a 2003 lawsuit filed by the Fund for Animals, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service will amend or rewrite refuge hunting plans and the environmental assessments 

that describe hunting programs at twenty-three national wildlife refuges located in the 

Southeast Region. The new environmental assessments will address the cumulative 

impacts of hunting at all refuges which were named in or otherwise affected by the 

lawsuit. This document amends the hunting plan at Cahaba River National Wildlife 

Refuge in Alabama. 

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BIBB COUNTY

1 inch = 5.8 miles

WOODSTOCK

WEST BLOCTON

CENTREVILLE

Fig. 1 CAHABA RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LOCATION State Route 5

Hwy 11

I-20/59

Bibb CR 24

CAHABA RIVER NWR
CAHABA RIVER

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Legend

Current Refuge Boundary

Acquisition Boundary

0 0.5 1 Miles
Guidance for authorizing public uses on National Wildlife Refuges is provided in the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The Act states, “compatible 

wildlife-dependent recreation is a legitimate and appropriate general public use of the 

System . . . through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and 

wildlife.” The Act recognizes that wildlife-dependent recreational uses involving hunting, 

fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and 

interpretation, when determined to be compatible, are legitimate and appropriate public

uses of the Refuge System that will receive priority consideration in refuge planning and 

management. Other uses not listed as priority public uses may be allowed if they are 

determined to be appropriate and compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was 

established. According to the Act, when a wildlife-dependent recreational use is 

determined to be a compatible use and is not inconsistent with public safety, that activity 

should be facilitated. The term “compatible use” is defined as a wildlife-dependent 

recreational use or any other use of a refuge that, in the sound professional judgment of 

the Director, will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the 

mission of the System or the purposes of the refuge. The Fish and Wildlife Service’s 

Final Compatibility Policy Pursuant to the Act delegates the responsibility of determining 

compatibility to the Refuge Manager with concurrence by the Regional Office 

Supervisor. 

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act (P.L. 106-331) directed 

the Secretary of Interior to acquire up to 3,500 acres of lands and waters within the 

boundaries of the Refuge. The purpose of the Refuge as designated in the establishment 

legislation is to: 

(1) conserve, enhance, and restore the native aquatic and terrestrial 

community characteristics of the Cahaba River (including associated fish, wildlife, 

and plant species); 

(2) conserve, enhance, and restore habitat to maintain and assist in the 

recovery of animals and plants that are listed under the Endangered Species Act of 

1973 (16 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.); 

(3) provide opportunities for compatible fish- and wildlife-oriented recreation, 

ensure that hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental 

education and interpretation are the priority general public uses of the Refuge, in 

accordance with section 4(a)(3); and (4) of the National Wildlife Refuge System 

Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668ee(a)(3), (4)); and 

(4) encourage the use of volunteers and to facilitate partnerships among the 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service, local communities, conservation 

organizations, and other non-Federal entities to promote public awareness of the 

resources of Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and the National Wildlife 

Refuge System and public participation in the conservation of those resources. 

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Relationship to Other Plans and Documents 

Previously, the refuge developed a Public Use Plan that outlined the Refuge’s proposed 

public use program. The Public Use Plan provides more guidance as to the timing and 

location of other public use activities on the Refuge. 

The Refuge completed compatibility determinations on uses proposed within this 

document. All uses proposed are deemed to be compatible with the mission of Cahaba 

River NWR. These uses, which include big game and upland game hunting, will be 

presented in this Draft Hunting Plan to solicit public comments. A list and detailed 

description of the hunting opportunities proposed for the Refuge are contained in this 

document. 

The Hunting Plan and the previously completed Public Use Plan are considered interim 

planning documents. All refuges are required to develop a Comprehensive Conservation 

Plan that will describe the desired future conditions of a refuge and provide long-range 

guidance and management direction to achieve refuge purposes; help fulfill the National 

Wildlife Refuge System mission; maintain and, where appropriate, restore the ecological 

integrity of each refuge and the Refuge System and help meet other mandates. The 

Public Use Plans that had been previously developed are considered “step-down” 

management plans of this future Comprehensive Conservation Plan. These plans will be 

incorporated and amended as necessary when the Refuge develops its Comprehensive 

Conservation Plan as required within 15 years of establishment.

The Refuge developed this plan in coordination with the Alabama Department of 

Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). Their ideas and suggestions were 

incorporated into this document prior to this public review. Hunting at Cahaba River 

NWR will be coordinated at least annually with the ADCNR.

STATEMENT OF REFUGE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 

The authorizing legislation for the Refuge outlined four purposes for establishing the 

Refuge from which we have obtained these four goals. 

1. Conserve, enhance, and restore the native aquatic and terrestrial community 

characteristics of the Cahaba River 

2. Conserve, enhance, and restore habitat to maintain and assist in the recovery 

of animals and plants that are listed as threatened or endangered 

3. Facilitate hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, 

environmental education, and interpretation as priority public uses of the 

Refuge when compatible 

4. Encourage the use of volunteers and facilitate partnerships among the Service, 

local communities, conservation organizations, and other non-federal entities 

when promoting awareness of the Refuge’s resources and those of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System 

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During development of our CCP, we will seek to further define these goals and develop 

new goals to better guide our activities on the Refuge. 

The Refuge is in the process of developing objectives in support of these goals. 

Objectives that may affect public use include: 

1. Establish partnerships with the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center in 

conserving and restoring sensitive aquatic species. 

2. Ensure water quality of refuge tributary streams through partnerships with 

adjacent land owners. 

3. Manage River Road as a refuge access road, while minimizing 

erosion/sedimentation and the contribution of contaminants into the river. 

4. Restore the bottomland and upland forest communities along the Refuge’s 

River Road 

5. Reclaim and restore portions of the Refuge impacted by previous coal mining 

activities 

6. Educate the public about littering and protection of their natural heritage 

7. Manage and, where appropriate, restore longleaf pine habitats on the Refuge 

8. Utilize prescribed fire as a management tool 

9. Develop a system of trails and interpretive signs that will allow the public to 

understand the importance of protecting the Cahaba River Watershed 

10. Increase public access to areas of the Refuge east of the Cahaba River 

ASSESSMENT 

Compatibility with Refuge Objectives 

Hunting is one of the six wildlife-oriented recreational uses prioritized by the Refuge 

Improvement Act of 1997. The Secretary of Interior may permit hunting on a refuge if 

he/she determines that such use is compatible with the refuge purpose for which it was 

established. The hunting program would not materially interfere with or detract from the 

fulfillment of the purposes of the Refuge or mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System (603 FW). 

Populations of game animals are not currently monitored within the Refuge but 

populations appear to be healthy based upon data gathered on adjacent state lands. 

Suitable habitat exists on the Refuge to support populations of all species proposed to be 

hunted. Population of these species should not be negatively affected by hunting. In 

addition to providing recreational opportunities, hunting will provide useful population 

data from retrieved harvest information. 

Biological Soundness 

Big Game Hunting (White-tailed deer, Feral Hog, Wild Turkey, Bobcat, and Coyote)

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White-tailed Deer

Deer hunts have proven to be not only compatible with refuge objectives but also 

beneficial in meeting them. Deer harvest is essential to maintain the herd at or below 

habitat carrying capacity. When deer are overpopulated, they overbrowse their habitat, 

which can completely change the plant composition of a forest. Overpopulation can also 

lead to outbreaks of devastating diseases such as epizootic hemorrhagic disease and 

bluetongue. Overpopulation also leads to starvation, increased car-deer collisions and 

poor overall herd health. The lack of natural predators within areas, such as the refuge 

where the normally would occur, has made hunting of white-tailed deer a necessity in 

order to protect habitats. 

Hunting of white-tailed deer will be limited to archery only. The relative small size of 

the refuge and high passive recreation warrant the restriction. 

Feral Hogs

Feral hogs are an extremely invasive non-native species. They can harbor several 

infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal to wildlife. By rooting and wallowing, 

feral hogs destroy wildlife habitat. Damage includes erosion along waterways and 

wetlands and the loss of native plants. Additionally, feral hogs compete directly for food 

with deer, bears, turkeys, squirrels and many other birds and mammals. They are 

predators of small mammals and deer fawns as well as ground-nesting birds such as 

turkeys. Feral hogs are not believed to currently reside on the refuge, but are found north 

and south of the refuge. In order to insure that this species does not become a future 

problem, the refuge intends to allow them to be hunted. Hunting of feral hogs provides 

the refuge with another management tool in reducing this detrimental species, and at the 

same time, is widely enjoyed by local hunters. 

Wild Turkey

Turkey hunting is permitted on the refuge during the spring in accordance with state 

regulations. Populations in the state are on the rise. Data indicate that the local turkey 

population has withstood hunting on the state wildlife management area for a number of 

years without a negative cumulative effect on turkeys. Hunting of wild turkeys on the 

refuge is not believed to adversely impact the population. 

Bobcats 

Bobcats in the southeast United States and throughout their range are considered to be 

stable or increasing in population and distribution. Their diet consists of rabbits, rodents, 

birds, bats, and occasionally deer. The status of the population on the refuge is unknown. 

Hunting of this species is not believed to adversely effect regional populations. 

Coyotes

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Coyotes’ prey includes; small mammals, songbirds, turkey and quail and their nests and 

any other animal they opportunistically encounter. When coyote numbers are high, local 

wildlife populations can be negatively affected. The status of the population found on the 

refuge is unknown. Coyotes may help to control deer populations within the refuge. 

Hunting of this species is not believed to adversely effect the local population. 

Small Game (Squirrel, Rabbit, Raccoon, Opossum, and Quail)

Quail

Quail hunting on the refuge is limited because of a lack of required nesting and foraging 

habitat for this species. This species is only occasionally detected on the refuge. In the 

southeast, the Northern bobwhite population decline has been attributed to habitat loss. 

Population data on the Northern bobwhite are unknown for the refuge. Hunting of quail 

on the refuge is not likely to have an affect on the Northern bobwhite population 

numbers. 

Raccoon and Opossum

Overpopulation of raccoon and opossum populations may lead to increased depredation 

of turkey, quail and songbird nests. When these species become extremely overabundant, 

diseases such as distemper and rabies reduce the populations. However, waiting for 

disease outbreak to regulate their numbers can be a human health hazard. Population 

abundance of these species is not known for the refuge but should not be negatively 

affected by hunting. 

Squirrel and Rabbit

Although no studies have been conducted on small game within the refuge, studies have 

been conducted within and outside of Alabama to determine the effects of hunting on the 

population dynamics of small game. Results have consistently shown that small game, 

such as rabbits and squirrels, are not affected by hunting, but rather are limited by food 

resources. 

Gray squirrels are prolific breeders and their populations have not been threatened by 

hunting in Alabama. Although population densities are not known for the gray squirrels 

they are visible throughout the refuge and are unlikely to be negatively affected by 

hunting. The fox squirrels are not know to inhabit the refuge and their decline in the 

southeast is attributed to habitat loss rather than hunting. 

The population levels of rabbit on the refuge are unknown. Anecdotal evidence indicates 

that the species is common but not abundant on the refuge. 

The refuge is following the state list of species that are hunted on the adjacent Wildlife 

Management Area; therefore these species have been included. The relative abundance 

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of these species is not likely to be negatively affected by hunting since it is unlikely that 

these species will be targeted by hunters. 

3. Economic Feasibility 

Annual hunt administration costs including salary, equipment, and sign maintenance, 

fuel, etc. total $29,000. Less than 1.0 full time staff equivalent, including law 

enforcement, is expended in conducting hunt-related activities. Funds are available to 

meet the conditions set forth in the Refuge Recreation Act. It is anticipated that funding 

would continue to be sufficient to continue the hunting program in the future. 

4. Relationship with other Refuge Programs 

None of the proposed hunts offer major conflicts with other hunts or with nonconsumptive users. Past incidents have occurred on the refuge between passive wildlife 

viewers and hunters over the perceived disruption of these passive activities during a 

hunt. These incidents have not resulted in a major conflict. 

The spring turkey hunt does not coincide with any other hunting season but may overlap 

with planned dormant season prescribed burning on the refuge. Periodic closure of 

portions of the refuge to all compatible public uses, including hunting, during days of 

prescribed burning will occur. 

5. Recreational Opportunity 

The refuge is relatively new and therefore much of the area open to the public may be 

under-utilized, with the exception of River Road, as compared to the near by state 

wildlife management area and national forest. Several factors may contribute to this 

situation, including access limitations and lack of improvements. 

DESCRIPTION OF HUNTING PROGRAM 

Most Refuge management activities (habitat restoration, interpretation, hunting, 

monitoring, and research) will provide an opportunity for public participation and to 

teach/encourage environmental stewardship. Programs and activities will be developed to 

create in our visitors: 

• Awareness and ecological understanding of the Refuge and adjacent landscape. 

• Knowledge of how humans affect the natural system. 

• Understanding of the value of mountain longleaf pine habitat for wildlife. 

• Recognition of wildlife values in general. 

Hunting on Refuge lands will be allowed for big game and upland game species. 

Hunting on the Refuge will occur through a cooperative partnership with the ADCNR 

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with dates set annually through meetings with the ADCNR. Hunters will be required to 

follow all State and Federal regulations and all Refuge-specific regulations.

Hunting as a Compatible Public Use 

The term “compatible use” is defined as a wildlife-dependent recreational use or any 

other use of a refuge that, in the sound professional judgment of the Refuge Manager, 

will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the mission of the 

System or the purposes of the Refuge. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System is “to administer a national net-work of lands and waters for the conservation, 

management, and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources 

and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future 

generations of Americans.”

The Service has responsibility for the protection and management of fish, wildlife, and 

the habitats upon which they depend. The Refuge is a special place where the Service 

will maintain and enhance the Cahaba River and adjacent upland habitats for wildlife. In 

fulfilling our resource responsibilities, however, we also will provide the public with 

opportunities to learn about wildlife and enjoy opportunities for wildlife-dependent 

recreation, so long as they do not materially interfere with our habitat and wildlife 

conservation activities, nor pose a hazard to public safety. 

Hunting as a Priority Public Use 

The National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997 (PL 105-57) states that hunting 

is one of six wildlife-dependent public uses that, when determined to be compatible, is to 

be a priority public use of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Hunting provides the 

public with wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities and has been determined to be 

compatible with the purposes for which this Refuge was established. 

Hunting Regulations 

Regulations Pertaining to all National Wildlife Refuge System Lands 

There are regulations regarding hunting on all National Wildlife Refuges which can be 

found in 50 CFR 32.2. The following list contains an overview of these regulations but is 

not a complete list or exact text of each regulation. Each hunter should familiarize 

himself/herself with the regulations as they are published in the Code of Federal 

Regulations. 

1. Each person will secure and possess the required State licenses. 

2. Each person will comply with the applicable provisions of the laws and 

regulations of the State where they are hunting. 

3. Each person will comply with the terms and conditions of access on a refuge. 

4. Each person must comply with any refuge specific regulations. 

5. It is prohibited to use any drug on any arrow. 

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6. Baiting or hunting over a baited site is prohibited. 

7. The use of nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting 

from a tree in which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is 

prohibited. 

8. It is unlawful to use or possess alcoholic beverages while hunting. 

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Specific Regulations 

Hunting opportunities determined to be compatible with the goals of the Refuge are listed 

below along with Refuge specific regulations that will further ensure the safety of visitors 

and habitats of the Refuge. These Refuge specific regulations once published may be 

found in 50 CFR 32.20 and will include: 

Upland Game Hunting 

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, opossum, 

raccoon, coyote and bobcat on designated areas of the Refuge in accordance with State 

regulations subject to the following conditions: 

1. You must possess and carry a signed hunt permit when hunting. 

2. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards of any road open to the public. 

3. We prohibit ATVs, mules, and horses on the Refuge. 

4. We allow the use of dogs to hunt upland game, but the dogs must be under the 

immediate control of the handler at all times and not allowed to run free. 

5. We allow shotguns with #4 shot or smaller, rifles firing .22 caliber rimfire 

ammunition, or archery equipment. 

6. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice 

contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a valid hunting license. Youth hunters 

must have passed a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no 

more than 2 youths. 

7. All firearms must be unloaded and dismantled or encased before being placed in a 

vehicle. 

8. We prohibit marking trees and the use of flagging tape, reflective tacks and other 

similar marking devices. 

Big Game Hunting 

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and wild 

turkey on designated areas of the Refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject 

to the following conditions: 

1. You must possess and carry a signed hunt permit when hunting. 

2. We only allow the use archery equipment during white-tailed deer season. 

3. We prohibit damaging trees or hunting from a tree that contains an inserted metal 

object. Hunters must remove stands from trees after each day’s hunt. 

4. We require tree stand users to use a safety belt or harness. 

5. We prohibit the use dogs to hunt or pursue big game. 

6. Conditions B.2, B.3 and B8 apply. 

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7. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice 

contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a valid hunting license. Youth hunters 

must have passed a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no 

more than 1 youth. 

8. We prohibit participation in organized drives. 

MEASURES TAKEN TO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH OTHER 

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 

In order to avoid conflicts with other management and public use activities, the Refuge 

has proposed a series of Refuge-specific regulations. Access to public use areas will be 

from River Road which is accessible by two-wheel drive vehicle during most of the year. 

During periods of heavy rainfall upstream, River Road may be closed due to flooding. 

Hunting permits will contain maps of hunting area locations and rules and regulations. 

Each hunter must sign the hunting permit prior to hunting to show that they have read and 

understand the rules and regulations. 

The boundary of all lands owned by the Service are marked with Refuge boundary signs 

(Fig. 3). Refuge boundary signs mark the extent of Refuge owned lands where entry is 

granted provided visitors adhere to Refuge rules and regulations. All areas permanently 

off-limits to visitors will be clearly marked with “Area Closed” signs. Areas that are offlimits to hunting and not otherwise clearly defined by distance from an identifiable 

boundary will be marked with a “No Hunting Zone” sign. A safety buffer of 100 yards 

will be established for visitor and public safety on lands the Service owns adjacent to 

roads open to public vehicles. This safety buffer will not be marked. 

 

Fig. 3 Refuge Signs 

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CONDUCT OF THE HUNT 

Hunting Orientation and Safety 

To ensure the safety of Refuge users along the Cahaba River, “no hunting” safety zones 

are established within those areas of the Refuge that are located within 100 yards of the 

River Road. Visitor orientation is provided directly on the Refuge through the use of 

signs, brochures, flyers, maps, and trail guides to direct hunters. Outlets off the Refuge 

that would be a source of information would be the Cahaba River Wildlife Management 

Area and may also include local media, sporting goods stores, chamber of commerce 

offices, tourism offices, and the internet. 

Entry Access/Procedures 

Public entry into the Refuge is initially limited to River Road (Fig. 2). As lands are 

added to the Refuge, additional access points will be provided. 

Law Enforcement 

Enforcement of Refuge trespass and other public use violations normally associated with 

management of a National Wildlife Refuge are the responsibility of commissioned 

Refuge Law Enforcement Officers and cooperatively by the Alabama Department of 

Conservation and Natural Resources and Bibb County Sheriff’s Department. General 

trespass, poaching, and other violations are cooperatively enforced by these agencies. 

Procedures for obtaining law enforcement assistance are based on legal jurisdiction 

where the incident occurs. The Service has met with local law enforcement agencies to 

develop coordinated law enforcement strategies. 

Community Support 

The success of the Refuge will not only be measured by the ecological restoration and 

enhancement of the Cahaba River and surrounding lands, but also by our effectiveness in 

working with other agencies and individuals to preserve and enhance the biodiversity in 

Alabama and public use on the Refuge. The local community must view the Refuge as a 

positive economic benefit to the community and as a good neighbor. 

Many refuges across the country have the privilege of working cooperatively with a nonprofit community support group, which can support the refuge through volunteer hours, 

outreach, advocacy, and funding. In 2006, Friends of the Cahaba River National Wildlife 

Refuge, a non-profit organization created to support the refuge was formed by citizens 

from the surrounding community. The Service welcomes the opportunity to continue to 

work with partners and other groups. Whether or not partnerships are formalized, the 

Service and its partners will continue to work under the principles of trust, respect, and 

open communications. 

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Specific locations of facilities, except in a few instances, are not yet known. As funding 

becomes available, facilities will be developed to aid in the management of the Refuge, 

including the support of all forms of appropriate and compatible public use such as 

hunting. 

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