What We Do

Specific goals of the Partnership are to promote the conservation of the longleaf pine ecosystem, improve wildlife habitat, and provide for traditional land uses and recreational amenities (such as farm conservation and hunting). The Partnership desires to sustain compatible land uses that buffer public lands and connect fragmented blocks of longleaf pine habitat through a variety of voluntary programs such as the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, Safe Harbor agreements, and conservation easements.

Why We Do It

The longleaf pine ecosystem once covered approximately 90 million acres in the Southeastern United States. This unique ecosystem has declined 97% and now contains fewer than three million acres. Today, only scattered patches of the longleaf pine ecosystem occur. The longleaf pine ecosystem hosts a wealth of plant and animal diversity and provides financial and aesthetic values, as well. Unlike other pine species, longleaf pine is well suited to the dry, sandy conditions, which dominate the area. Public lands in the focus area contain more than 100,000 acres of the longleaf pine ecosystem. With the participation of private landowners, the Partnership has the potential to recover this ecosystem and create a landscape that provides outstanding wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities and economic benefits.

How Do I Get Involved?

 Management actions to establish or improve longleaf pine habitat in the focus area include planting seedlings,  removal of competitive species, prescribed burning, mechanical midstory removal, planting native warm season grasses, and controlling exotic species. Several of these actions qualify for cost-share funding on a limited, competitive basis. Other activities can qualify as a match for cost-share funds received. Typically, projects take two years to implement and landowners agree to maintain the practices for 15 years. Cost-share reimbursement is based on an established price list. For landowners with existing stands of longleaf pine, technical assistance is available for timber and wildlife management, the Safe Harbor program, and land conservation options. Interested landowners should contact us for more information.