We visited the Mulberry Fork at one of our favorite spots a couple of miles north of the Sipsey/Mulberry Fork. This is a place that is usually teeming with life. In the past we have seen all manner of aquatic life including the endangered Black Warrior River Dog.

On one occasion we had a visitor napping on our porch. He woke up because he felt like he was being watched. He turned and saw an otter intensely observing him. This otter and his partner were frequent visitors to our spot.

When the otters were not there, we had unusually intelligent beavers. Once when the river was quite high, four beavers gathered on the opposite side of the Mulberry Forks. I was convinced they were plotting as they watched us.

But on June 13, 2019, the river was silent. There was nothing in the water. We watched for awhile, but we could see no movement, no ripples, no otters, no beavers. However, there were birds. They were loud, disturbed.

There was one turtle.

It was eerie, disturbing.

What will it take to bring our river back?

It’s going to take us all working together.

It is with deep regret that we announce that we have been forced to cancel the 3rd Annual Sipsey Fork River Race. As many of you already know, the Mulberry Fork has suffered a massive fish kill due to a spill from the Tyson Foods/ American Protein, River Valley Plant in Hanceville, Alabama.The spill and all it carried with it was pulled at least one mile up the Sipsey Fork. Originally, we believed enough water would pass through both forks to dilute our waters to safe levels. Yesterday, we took water samples and submitted them to an EPA recognized company. Today we learned that the levels of bacteria were several times the acceptable level for human recreation. It would be irresponsible for us to continue with the race under these circumstances. On June 22 at 8:00 am, we will be at the boat ramp behind T&R Grocery at The Forks. People who have ordered t-shirts may pick them up there. We will also have contact information so that you may speak up regarding the assault on our river.