It's one of Alabama's most beautiful natural resources. Now, an expansion is planned to further preserve the Cahaba River. However, some land owners are not happy.
Bibb County landowner, James Potts owns more than 200 acres of Bibb County land, which backs up to the Cahaba River.
"This proposal could take away my ability to farm," Potts says.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service is looking to acquire more land, to help save the Cahaba River.
"We were concerned about the aquatic resources we have within the Cahaba River watershed we have 24 federally listed species that occur in the watershed throughout their life history," Steve West, Refuge Manager Cahaba River National Wildlife says.
Potts, like many of his neighbors, is furious with the proposal.
"When we start putting animals and snails ahead of people and jobs there are serious consequences every time," Potts says.
The draft includes 300,000 acres of land encompassing five Alabama counties.
"The benefits to them would let them do on their land what they're doing now with us holding the rights for future development on that property. Those land owners who's had property in their families for generations, there is no fear," West says.
But, Potts isn't concerned about the preservation and conservation.
"I'm not opposed to protecting but I don't think the government needs to own it for it to be protected," he tells us.
Both parties agree that there is some misinformation out there, that's why the public is encouraged to attend an informational meeting taking place Thursday, September 2nd from 5-7 p.m. at Brent Elementary school in Bibb County.
