Our aquatics project engages family forest owners in Two landscapes in alabama.

NORTH ALABAMA

The Alabama Cumberland Plateau project area encompasses more than 12,800 square miles and stretches across 18-counties of north Alabama. This area is one of the most significant forested landscapes for plant and wildlife diversity in the south. Here, 58 species are already listed as threatened or endangered, with an additional 63 species on the candidate and petition list for the future. Additional listings could significantly impact forests in the area, limiting forest owners’ ability to manage their forests and the industry’s ability to meet global demand for wood products.

SOUTH ALABAMA

This project area includes 10 counties in south Alabama and encompasses seven Strategic Habitat Units and four Strategic River Reach Units which provide habitat for 8 federally listed aquatic species. In addition, the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network has identified 57 priority aquatic species within this geography. The presence of these listed and at-risk species make this a priority landscape for conservation efforts aimed at implementing best management practices to reduce sedimentation and protect water quality as a strategy to improve habitat for these species.

ACROSS ALABAMA

Family-owned forests make up more than two-thirds of all of the forests and are key to ensuring habitat for these aquatic species. The Alabama Forestry Foundation along with the Alabama Landowner Resource Center team are engaging these family forest owners to improve the aquatic habitat. Based on a recent survey, 74% of landowners expressed an interest in improving wildlife habitat but acknowledge that the biggest barrier for doing more is uncertainty about what to do and lack of financial resources to get it done.

What We’re Doing:

Project staff and partners:

Conduct site visits with landowners to determine their objectives and evaluate their property.
Develop management plans to accomplish their objectives.
Provide technical assistance and identify available cost-share assistance.
Offer education opportunities including field days, demonstrations, and educational workshops.
Conduct technical education for foresters and harvesting professionals on best management practices to protect water quality and instream habitat.

As a result of this project, landowners have improved management on 6,600 acres of upland forests, 177 acres of riparian forests, and 57 miles of streams and in-stream habitat. In addition, management plans have been written for landowners that encompass more than 35,000 acres of upland and riparian forests.

All services provided to landowners are FREE OF CHARGE thanks to the generous support provided by our sponsors. In addition, all information provided by landowners is CONFIDENTIAL.