National Park Service to Remain at Little River Canyon Center

After several weeks of uncertainty, the future of the partnership between the National Park Service and Jacksonville State University’s Little River Canyon Center is no longer in question.

JSU President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. posted to his Facebook account on April 23, “We have received confirmation that the previously announced lease termination has been revoked, and the NPS office located at the Canyon Center is no longer on the list of sites scheduled for closure.”

The long-standing partnership was put in jeopardy earlier this year when the federal government announced it would terminate its lease with JSU as part of budget reduction efforts. NPS staff members have occupied space in the Canyon Center since the facility opened in 2009. The center is a hub for education, conservation, research, and outdoor recreation. It features a Grand Hall, HD movie theater, gift shop, natural history library, exhibits, classrooms, outdoor amphitheater, and scenic trails for both education and adventure. It hosts concerts, workshops, hikes, lectures, and other activities year-round for students of all ages and the general public.

John Dersham, executive director of DeKalb Tourism, says the renewed partnership is good news for the area in many ways. “The Little River Canyon National Preserve is the cornerstone of the tourism industry in DeKalb County,” he says, “an industry that supports many jobs and small businesses by attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The economic impact is significant. Further, the National Park Service operations being based out of the Canyon Center helps support the great work JSU is doing there, which is an important part of our tourism base.”

Killingsworth credited the work of Alabama’s legislative delegation, along with efforts from state and local partners, for securing the NPS lease. “We are grateful for their commitment to preserving this vital resource for education, conservation, and outdoor recreation,” he wrote.

“We are especially thankful for our longstanding partnership with the National Park Service and are excited to continue our collaborative work at the Canyon Center,” continued Killingsworth. “Together, we will build on our shared mission to provide meaningful programming, research opportunities, and public engagement that highlight Little River Canyon’s unique natural and cultural heritage.”