Ala-Tom Area Plan

Mission: 
The mission of the ALA-TOM RC&D Council is to conserve and develop all resources to enhance the quality of life in the area.

Vision:
Our vision for the ALA-TOM RC&D Area is an area with a sound economy with jobs for all, with all people, communities and governments working together in harmony. We see an educated and informed citizenry, with the small town and rural family values preserved. We see all the land used wisely, with it being both productive and protected. We see beautiful, clean landscapes and all the rivers and streams with clean water. We see all rural and urban areas adequately served with community facilities and services, and adequate recreational facilities, making the ALA-TOM RC&D Area the best place to live and work.

Goal: 1. Create awareness among the public and elected officials on environmental issues.

  1. Conduct an information and education campaign
    1. Hold workshops, field days, and prepare written information on environmental issues.
  2. Establish outdoor classrooms and/or environmental study areas in each county
    1. Work with schools in the area and other entities to develop outdoor learning areas.
  3. Develop and monitor environmental trend data
    1. Develop informational data base to track environmental factors

Goal: 2. Eliminate the improper disposal of farm and household wastes.

  1. Promote the development of a recycling program in each county
    1. Work with city and county governments to develop programs
  2. Develop a program for disposing chemicals and small quantity household hazardous wastes
    1. Partner with local governments, waste disposal firms, Extension Service, and Alabama Department of Ag and Industries to establish programs
  3. Develop a program to clean up and prevent littering and illegal dumping in each county
    1. Work with or establish anti-littering programs, develop anti-litter information, inventory all illegal dumps in each county, develop illegal dump clean-up efforts
  4. Develop an educational program and develop demonstrations on the need for methods of properly treating household effluents, emphasizing new technology
    1. Utilize alternative waste systems in developing systems.
  5. Assist Soil and Water Conservation Districts in soil erosion control demonstrations and public projects
    1. Provide grant funding for demos and projects.

Goal: 3. Provide adequate public fishing in the area

  1.  Assist in developing public fishing lakes
    1. Assist in identifying potential lake sites, assist in planning, and assist in seeking funding.
  2. . Improve public access on the Tombigbee, Alabama, Cahaba, and Sepulga Rivers
    1. Work with County Commissions and the State of Alabama to identify potential sites, and assist in seeking funding.
  3. Protect and improve the quantity and quality of the fishery in public waters of the area
    1. Work with state government to help educate the public on fishery issues.

Goal: 4. Increase tourism in the area for economic development

  1. Develop a sustainable regional tourism program, including marketing
    1. Work with the Alabama- Tombigbee Regional Commission, the State of Alabama, and other entities for developing and funding a tourism program.
    2. Assist in developing and promoting tourism sites in the area
  2. Develop a regional tourism association, emphasizing county level programs as well
    1. Identify and develop a regional tourism partners group, develop a steering committee, then develop a tourism association
  3. Encourage the development of long-term plans for the five state parks in the area and include local public participation in the process
    1. Work with the directors of each state park in the area to establish a local advisory committee, and then develop long-term plans in association with local groups.

Goal: 5 . Improve the quantity, quality and access to recreational facilities

  1. Assist in developing and/or improving recreational facilities and programs in each county
    1. Provide assistance in planning and grants for facilities and programs

Goal: 6 . Assist organizations in acquiring adequate public services

  1. Have properly trained and equipped emergency services in all sections of the area
    1. Work with local and County officials in problem areas to establish systems
  2. Develop a comprehensive directory of services in all nine counties
    1. Assist local governments and Chambers of Commerce with funding for directories
  3. Assist in developing solid waste collection in each county
    1. Work with each County Commission without a solid waste collection program and seek ways to develop one
  4. Establish E-911 in Conecuh and Perry counties
    1. Work with County Commissions to seek funding for systems

Goal: 7 . Assist organizations in refining, improving, and expanding infrastructure

  1. Assist counties in pursuing new technology and funding for road and bridge construction and maintenance
    1. Assist in identifying new technologies and help seek funding for demonstration projects
  2. Assist local governments in providing a coordinated water supply to 80% of the household in the area
    1. Assist in identifying problem areas and potential funding.
  3. Assist local governments and health departments in providing new technology for sewer and septic tank systems resulting in 80% of the households with properly functioning systems
    1. Identify alternative systems and seek funding for demonstrations and full implementation.
  4. Assist in the development of adequate telecommunications technology, especially in rural areas
    1. Help seek funding for systems

Goal: 8 . Promote community development in the area

  1. Assist municipalities and rural communities in developing and implementing landscaping/beautification plans
    1. Develop an area urban forestry program, develop plans, and seek funding
  2. Assist rural communities in developing community organizations, programs and facilities
    1. . Provide organizational assistance and seek funding for organizations

Goal: 9 . Promote economic development in the area

  1. Provide assistance to county and regional economic development agencies
    1. Provide whatever assistance is available and needed to organizations

Goal: 10 . Provide agricultural opportunities to small farmers and landowners to generate new or additional income.

  1. Provide assistance in developing alternative agricultural enterprises in the area.
    1. Seek funding and provide assistance for demonstrations, producer organizations, and marketing.
  2. Demonstrate new/best management practices on existing agricultural enterprises by developing farm demonstrations
    1. Seek funding and help organize demonstrations
  3. Assist farmers in obtaining capital.
    1. Develop small farmer revolving loan program

Goal: 11 . Educate area landowners in the multiple use management of forestland

  1. Educate the public on the economic value of wildlife as well as forestry as a tourism asset.
    1. Conduct workshops and develop news releases
  2. Promote forest management compatible with wildlife management
    1. Conduct workshops, field demonstrations, and develop news releases
  3. Reduce the loss of wildlife habitat
    1. Inform the public on current issues and work with state, federal, and local officials to develop programs
  4. Obtain better enforcement of fish and wildlife laws
    1. Seek additional game wardens for the area
  5. Assist in developing new and alternative markets for forests and forest products
    1. Work with local forest industry, economic development officilas, and universities to develop markets