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Jax State's Little River Canyon Continues To Be A National Park Service Gem As Total Economic Output Nears $500 Million

by Josh Underwood

Fort Payne, AL (10/09/2024) — Many people thought it was a crazy idea to even think about having Little River Canyon designated as a unit of the National Park Service. Much of the land was owned by the Alabama Power Company (APC), which had a few smaller parcels in DeKalb and Cleburne counties. The task of successful collaboration was daunting, and most thought it would never happen. Add to that, some were extremely opposed to the idea and even posted handmade signs on plywood reading "Keep out NPS" and "National Park NO!"

Despite the fears and negativity, the prospect began to come together through an unprecedented partnership of residents, environmentalists, civic leaders, Jacksonville State University (Jax State), Alabama Power Company and local county and city leaders.

Jax State's Pete Conroy, APC's VP Charles McCrary and others were called to testify before Congress. Despite significant pushback from some congressional members and a few outside organizations, the teamwork paid off with added and essential support from US Congressman Tom Bevill and US Sen. Richard Shelby.

On April 19, 1995, Little River Canyon National Preserve was announced in a magnificent ceremony on the rim of the canyon. On hand were supporters from across the nation, including country music star Randy Owen, National Park Service officials, regional leaders and countless community members.

Conroy had testified in August of 1992, "this area has nearly endless potential for the establishment of the nation's cleanest and most profitable industry: tourism." All involved were optimistic, but few expected what would be reported by the National Park Service.

Updated studies have documented that Little River Canyon National Preserve's economic output reached over $10 million in 2012, then over $50 million in 2019, then in 2021, bolstered by the impact of Covid, the output exceeded $76 million. The National Park Service's newest report shows the impact has settled to $64.2 million. Add that all together, and so far, since 2012, not counting the five years after Jax State built the Little River Canyon Center in 2007, the output has been $479 million, nearly a half billion dollars.

"Jax State and the National Park Service have been proud partners, working with regional leaders to maximize our value," Conroy said. He continued, "The assistance we received from the Alabama Power Company was absolutely foundational to our success, and I hope that next year, we can all have a big party and celebrate another milestone, marking 30 years since that ceremony on the rim in 1995."

For more information about economic contributions of National Park Service visitor spending, click here.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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