GULF COAST CONSERVATION GRANTS PROGRAM PROJECT
Alabama Gulf Coast Conservation through Land Stewardship
Assistance and Landowner Networking
 
PARTNERS
A Project of the Alabama Wildlife Federation
Since the inception of the Land Stewardship Assistance Program in 1999, demand for on-the-ground land stewardship technical assistance has increased. In order to meet that need and promote conservation and enhancement of south Alabama’s unique and valuable ecosystems, AWF submitted a proposal to The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Gulf Coast Conservation Grants Program.  Funded in part by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundatio,Southern Company, and its subsidiary Alabama Power, AWF was able to establish a resident Resource Stewardship Biologist (Mr. Drew G. Arnold) in south Alabama (Mobile, AL). 

This project is designed to efficiently and effectively provide on-the-ground land stewardship technical assistance to private landowners in south and coastal Alabama.  Project focus is centered on the establishment, promotion, or enhancement of 4 primary habitat conservation issues on private lands:  1) Migratory shorebird and waterfowl habitat 2) NWSG grass habitat 3) Longleaf pine ecosystem habitat with a gopher tortoise emphasis 4) Invasive/exotic species control.  Focus on these habitat issues supports the goals and objectives of a multitude of habitat initiatives including:  the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI), Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI), Alabama State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), East Gulf Coastal Plain Joint Venture (EGCPJV).  AWF is partnering with the NBCI, EGPJV, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and numerous other organizations to achieve habitat goals and objectives.  In addition to private landowner technical assistance, the GCCGP   project will develop a Landowner Network using the over 1,000 previously assisted landowners.  The Landowner Network will provide private landowners in Alabama interactive means to access, engage, and collaborate with AWF in order to meet habitat initiatives goals and objectives while simultaneously providing interactive and engaging educational and collaborative opportunities to private landowners.  The Landowner Network will be utilized by AWF to draw attention to and garner support for significant habitat based conservation issues.

Primary Activities

1. To establish increased AWF Land Stewardship Assistance presence and private landowner outreach in coastal and south Alabama.
2. Provide technical assistance to private non-industrial landowners with assistance priority given to 4 habitat categories:
       a.Migratory Shorebird and Waterfowl Habitat
       b.Native Warm Season Grass
       c.Longleaf Ecosystem Habitat with Gopher Tortoise emphasis
      d.Invasive/exotic Species Control
3. Improve, enhance and/or restore, private lands habitat in one of the 4 above categories at a minimum of 5,000 acres.
4. Increase private landowner participation and engagement with AWF on a variety of natural resource management issues via interactive methods (smart device application, technical management videos, etc.).
5. Develop an interconnected network of private landowners working in mutual benefit with AWF for conservation and wise stewardship of Alabama’s natural resources.

Project Funding
This project is receiving funding from Alabama Power and Southern Company through their National Fish and Wildlife Foundation partnership.

Project Contact Information
Mr. Drew G. Arnold, South Region: Resource Stewardship Biologist
Gulf Coast Resource Conservation Initiative Leader
email: darnold@alabamawildlife.org
cell: 334-399-1798 .