Our Story

The Broad River Legal Defense Fund (BRLDF) began as a grassroots movement when neighbors across Franklin and Madison counties united to stop a proposed rendering plant near the Broad River.

What started as a local effort quickly grew into a powerful coalition of residents, landowners, and advocates who believe that the Broad River and the communities along the Savannah River Basin deserve protection.

Through the original fight, we saw an even greater issue: We needed to lead a battle to Save Broad River for our current era and future generations! This is about more than stopping one project. It is about ensuring that the mighty Broad River will be protected for the next 200 years.

Today, the Broad River Legal Defense Fund is committed to safeguarding the full-length of the Broad River watershed through legal advocacy, community engagement, and policy work.

From headwaters to confluence, we support rural communities as they face complex environmental and land-use challenges.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that every person—regardless of where they live—deserves clean water, a healthy environment, and a voice in what happens in their village.

We exist to ensure those voices are heard and supported by the power of the law.