The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced
$5.6 million in grants to restore, enhance and protect longleaf
pine forests in eight Southeast states. The grants will generate
more than $6.9 million in matching contributions for a total
conservation impact of $12.5 million.
The 23 grants were awarded through NFWF’s Longleaf
Stewardship Fund, and will support conservation work in Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina and Texas. Together, these grants are expected to
establish more than 19,000 new acres of longleaf pine through
plantings and will enhance an additional 327,000 acres of habitat
through prescribed burning, invasive species removal and other
forest management practices. Grantees will engage private
landowners through workshops, trainings and one-on-one technical
assistance to restore and maintain longleaf pine habitat on their
lands.
“The Longleaf Stewardship Fund brings together public and
private partners to conserve one of the most biodiverse habitats in
the country,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of
NFWF. “These projects will expand and improve habitat for
threatened and endangered species, as well as help foster
stewardship of longleaf habitat among local landowners.”
Today’s grants will also support the recovery of several rare
species through translocation, captive rearing and reintroduction,
including the red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise. These
animals are known as keystone species, which means many other
species benefit from their presence in the ecosystem. A complete
list of the 2020 grants made through the Longleaf Stewardship Fund
is available here.
The Longleaf Stewardship Fund is a partnership between NFWF and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation
Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Defense,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Paper’s
Forestland Stewards Partnership, Southern Company, American Forest
Foundation’s Southern Woods for At-Risk Wildlife Initiative, the
Arbor Day Foundation, Altria Group, and The Orton Foundation, an
affiliate of The Moore Charitable Foundation.
The longleaf pine ecosystem once covered more than 90 million
acres across the Southeastern coastal plain and piedmont. Today, it
has been reduced to only about 5 percent of its historical range
due to the conversion to other forest types, conversion to other
land uses and fire suppression. This fire-adapted ecosystem
possesses tremendous biodiversity, supporting nearly 900 endemic
plant species and providing habitat for wildlife such as the
red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, indigo snake and
Bachman’s sparrow, as well as important game species such as
northern bobwhite and wild turkey.
Longleaf forests also contribute to the United States’ military
readiness by providing buffers to military training bases. They
offer recreational opportunities for millions of Americans and
contribute to working lands and forest-dependent economies.
Longleaf forests are resilient to drought, wind, and pests, and
help buffer communities from strong storms. These forests gained
the conservation community's attention in the late 20th century as
government agencies, non-profits and private landowners began
collaborating to restore longleaf pine and reverse the loss of
habitat.
NFWF established the Longleaf Stewardship Fund in 2012 to
support these conservation efforts. The fund combines its partners'
financial and technical resources to accelerate the restoration of
the longleaf pine ecosystem while implementing the Range-Wide
Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine as part of America’s Longleaf
Restoration Initiative (ALRI).
Since 2012, the fund has invested more than $42 million in
projects that are establishing more than 120,000 acres and
improving nearly 2 million additional acres of longleaf pine forest
and benefit the native species that rely on those forests. The
outcomes contribute to the goals of the ALRI, which celebrates its
10th anniversary this year.
Partner Quotes
“More so than ever, I recognize and appreciate how America’s
Longleaf Restoration Initiative brings communities and diverse
groups together with a common purpose of restoring the longleaf
pine ecosystem,” said Ken Arney, regional forester for the southern
region of the U.S. Forest Service. “The National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation, through the Longleaf Stewardship Fund, has
been instrumental in moving this initiative forward and has been a
true partner in expanding the corresponding ecosystem services we
require for survival and quality of life.”
“NRCS is excited to support so many projects that not only
restore our longleaf heritage and its wildlife diversity but are
also foundational to rural economies across the Southeast,” said
Kevin Norton, acting chief of NRCS.
“DoD values its longstanding partnership with NFWF’s Longleaf
Stewardship Fund and celebrates both the impressive conservation
impacts to the longleaf pine ecosystem and significant benefits to
national defense,” said Maureen Sullivan, deputy assistant
secretary of defense for environment in the office of the assistant
secretary of defense (sustainment). “Ultimately, preserving the
longleaf pine ecosystem sustains national defense in a number of
ways, from promoting compatible land uses that provide a buffer for
essential training areas, to reducing regulatory restrictions by
advancing threatened and endangered species recovery. Ten military
installations in the Southeast will benefit from the awarded
projects, thereby enhancing DoD’s ability to test and train for
current and future missions. This year through the Longleaf
Stewardship Fund, approximately $11 will be spent by our partners
for every dollar DoD spends, resulting in an outstanding return on
investment and the accomplishment of shared goals on the
landscape.”
“It would be hard to overstate how important the longleaf pine
ecosystem is,” said Leopoldo “Leo” Miranda, director of two U.S.
Fish and Wildlife regions that encompass 11 southern states and two
U.S. territories. “If you love the outdoors, you appreciate the
longleaf because it provides invaluable habitat for all kinds of
animals, and the Longleaf Stewardship Fund is making invaluable
contributions to longleaf conservation. Deer, turkey, quail, as
well as many listed and at-risk species, you name it – they call
the longleaf home. If you just like to wander in the woods, what’s
better than listening to the wind whisper in those long
needles?"
“The restoration of America’s longleaf pine forest has
immeasurable ecological, economic and social value,” said Sophie
Beckham, chief sustainability officer of International Paper.
“Through our Forestland Stewards Partnership with NFWF, we are
proud to support eight of the 23 grants that will help to restore
and manage thousands of acres of southeastern forestland and engage
landowners in the stewardship of this important
ecosystem.”
“Restoring a remarkably diverse ecosystem that is deeply
connected to the culture and economic growth of our region is
reflective of our commitment to the communities we are proud to
share with those we serve,” said Southern Company Operations
Executive Vice President Stan Connally. “Conservation through the
Longleaf Stewardship Fund will benefit a wide range of plants and
wildlife that depend on longleaf pine habitat.”
“Families and individuals own more than half of the forests
across the South, making them a significant group that can
contribute to the restoration of the longleaf ecosystem,” said Tom
Martin, president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. “These
families care about the health of their forests and about wildlife,
but they often lack the expertise and resources to take action on
the ground. We are proud to contribute to the Longleaf Stewardship
Fund to help empower these landowners on an important ecological
issue.”
“Thanks to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its
Longleaf Stewardship Fund, thousands of acres of longleaf pine and
its unique habitat are being protected and revitalized,” said Louis
Bacon, founder and chairman of The Moore Charitable Foundation and
its affiliate, The Orton Foundation. “The Southeast’s natural
resources, local economies and public health benefit immensely from
this critical and highly effective public-private partnership. We
are honored to be part of this group, whose unified vision is
driving real and lasting change.”
“We are proud to work alongside public and private partners to
support this important initiative,” said Dan Lambe, president of
the Arbor Day Foundation. “From providing a habitat for native
wildlife to promoting long-term care of a critical forest
ecosystem, restoration of longleaf pine forests will benefit our
environment for generations to come.”
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish,
wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate and
individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 5,000 organizations
and generated a total conservation impact of $6.1 billion. Learn
more at www.nfwf.org.
About the U.S. Forest ServiceThe mission of the USDA
Forest Service is, “To sustain the health, diversity, and
productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the
needs of present and future generations.” The Forest Service
manages 193 million acres of forest lands with tribal governments,
state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forest
research organization in the world.
About the Natural Resources Conservation ServiceSince
1935, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has helped
America’s private landowners and managers conserve their soil,
water, and other natural resources. NRCS provides technical
assistance based on sound science and offers financial assistance
for many conservation activities. Learn more at nrcs.usda.gov.
About the U.S. Department of DefenseThe Department of
Defense is America's oldest and largest government agency. With
over 1.4 million men and women on active duty, 1.1 million serving
in the National Guard and Reserve forces, and 718,000 civilian
personnel, we are the nation's largest employer. The mission of the
Department of Defense is to provide the military forces needed to
deter war and to protect the security of our country.
About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceThe mission of
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their
habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are
both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife
conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of
lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and
commitment to public service. For more information on our work and
the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov.
About International PaperInternational Paper (NYSE: IP)
is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging,
pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North
America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce
corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods and
enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue, and other
personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and
papers that facilitate education and communication. We are
headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ more than 50,000 colleagues
and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales
for 2019 were $22 billion. For more information about International
Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit
internationalpaper.com. See how we’re building a better future for
people, the planet and our company at
internationalpaper.com/Vision-2030.
About Southern CompanySouthern Company (NYSE:SO) is a
leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its
subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and
affordable energy through electric operating companies in three
states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a
competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across
America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a
fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern
Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high
reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For
more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and
developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including
carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural
gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through
an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon
future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the
customized energy solutions our customers and communities require
to drive growth and prosperity. Out uncompromising values ensure we
put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do
and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate
culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the
U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black
Enterprise, Forbes and the Women’s Choice Award. To learn more,
visit www.southerncompany.com.
About the American Forest FoundationThe American Forest
Foundation (AFF) is a national non-profit conservation organization
that protects and measurably increases the clean water, wildlife
habitat, and sustainable wood supplies that come from family-owned
forests. AFF works with partners, leading businesses, policymakers,
and landowners directly, to address key issues such as conserving
biodiversity, reducing risk of catastrophic wildfire, and
addressing the threat of climate change. To learn more about the
American Forest Foundation, visit
www.forestfoundation.org.
About the Orton Foundation The Orton Foundation, the
North Carolina affiliate of Louis Bacon’s Moore Charitable
Foundation, focuses on protecting the Cape Fear River Basin’s
unique waterways, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats.
The Orton Foundation’s community program supports educational,
cultural, and social and environmental justice programs in the
region.
About Altria GroupAltria Group is a Fortune 200 company
located in Richmond Va. Altria’s tobacco companies include some of
the most enduring names in American business including Philip
Morris USA, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, and U.S. Smokeless
Tobacco Company, the maker of Copenhagen and Skoal. Altria
complements its total tobacco platform with ownership of Ste.
Michelle Wine Estates, a collection of distinctive wine estates,
and significant equity investment in Anheuser-Busch InBev, the
world's largest brewer.
About The Arbor Day FoundationThe Arbor Day Foundation is
the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting
trees, with more than 1 million members, supporters, and valued
partners and a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and
celebrate trees. Our vision is to help others understand and use
trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today,
including air quality, water quality, climate change,
deforestation, poverty, and hunger. Find out more at
arborday.org.
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Rob Blumenthal
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(202) 857-0166
rob.blumenthal@nfwf.org
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