While the board members of the University of Alabama system were meeting at UAB’s Alumni Hall on Thursday, Feb. 2, a coalition of environmental, civic and student organizations gathered across the street to demonstrate opposition to a proposed coal mine along the Shepherd’s Bend portion of the Black Warrior River.

The 2011 Alabama Cup Whitewater Slalom Series is coming up in February and March, and the groups sponsoring the canoe and kayak races are looking for volunteers now.

Volunteers are needed to help Alabama Cup Racing Association, Friends of the Locust Fork River, Mulberry Race Committee and numerous sponsors that put on the three race series.

“This volunteering is a low pressure job with fun filled opportunities all weekend,” according to the press release. “Volunteer for all weekend or all day or half a day.”

The Locust Fork Invitational will be held February 5-6, the Mulberry Race is March 5-6, and the Locust Fork Whitewater Classic is March 26-27.

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How You Can Help

Coal ash is hazardous waste, and must be regulated under the most protective provisions of America’s hazardous waste laws now, according to David Whiteside and Mark Martin of the newly formed Tennessee Riverkeeper, featured in the video above.

Below you can learn more and take action like signing an online petition or writing your local representatives on the group’s Website at TennesseeRiver.Org.