Montgomery County proclaims April 8 "Rivers of Alabama Day"

The Montgomery County Commission on April 8 proclaimed April 8, 2025, as Rivers of Alabama Day in Montgomery County and heard brief remarks from river advocates about local outreach and an upcoming water rally conference.

The proclamation, read aloud by Commissioner Sankey, recognized the Alabama and Tallapoosa Rivers as “lifelines for commerce, transportation, and recreation” that “provide essential drinking water, recreation, transportation, wildlife habitats and economic benefits.” Commissioner Sankey presented the proclamation and invited representatives from river organizations to speak.

Kathleen Kirkpatrick, who identified herself as representing Friends of the Alabama River, told the commission, “Alabama's rivers are the most biodiverse in the the country, and we have a 32,000 miles of them.” She said Montgomery County is the first Alabama county to adopt the group’s proclamation and invited the commission to an April 8 celebration at Red Bluff overlooking the Alabama River. Kirkpatrick and other presenters said Friends of the Alabama River is partnering with the Alabama Rivers Alliance and plans a state water rally conference in Montgomery next March.

Isaiah (county staff) and other presenters described the group’s local outreach and encouraged commissioners and residents to attend river events. The commission accepted the proclamation; no formal vote was recorded in the transcript beyond the presentation.

The proclamation calls on residents to “celebrate, appreciate, and contribute to the preservation of rivers and waterways.” Commission members and presenters noted plans for additional community engagement around the Alabama River and a river cruise offered at the April event.