(Auburn, Ala. – May 2008) The Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association (ALNLA) has been working continuously with the Birmingham Water Works (BWW) since the onset of the 2007 drought to minimize the impact of water restrictions on the Birmingham area Green Industry. While the summer of 2007 was difficult for all, this spring brings new hope for outdoor water users.

The BWW recently released a new Drought Management Plan for water restrictions in the case of another future drought. This plan allows automatic irrigation use up to and including the first mandatory restriction stage (Stage III). This was the highest level of restriction that has been instigated in past droughts. Thanks to average rainfall this spring, widespread water conservation and innovative measures by the BWW, the water restrictions were recently reduced to Stage 1 (Drought Advisory – Voluntary conservation measures).

ALNLA and the BWW announced a cooperative effort to educate the public on wise outdoor water usage and best procedures for new planting. The seven part series will be promoted widely in the newspaper, by local garden centers, and on the internet.
ALNLA is also preparing to launch its own state-wide promotion of wise irrigation water usage that encourages the public to water only as necessary. This campaign is using yard signs with catchy slogans and a new web site: keepalabamagreen.com to educate consumers on proper irrigation and planting methods. The campaign is slated to launch in early May.

Established in 1951, the Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association (ALNLA) is a professional association for those involved in and allied to the ornamental horticulture industry in Alabama. Our Economic Impact Study shows what our industry contributes 1.9 billion dollars, including 31,000 jobs, to the economy of our state annually.
To learn more about the ALNLA visit www.alnla.org.