IP, NFWF and Partners Help Private Landowners to Restore Longleaf Pine For Texas Drinking Water and Wildlife
NORTHAMPTON MA / ACCESSWIRE / Dec 29, 2022 / International Paper (IP), and National Fish and Wildlife Foundations (NFWF), help Texas landowners restore and manage their forests via IP’s Forestlands Stewards partnership. These efforts will benefit water supplies and wildlife habitats, increase recreational opportunities, and support employment in the forest sector.
The Texas Longleaf Team has worked with private landowners and Forestlands Stewards to establish over 4,700 acres longleaf. Over 2.8 million trees were planted. An additional 37,000 acres of longleaf land were also improved with prescribed fire, and other management techniques.
Prescribed burn certification workshops teach landowners how fire can be an important tool in forest management for reducing harmful fuels and improving wildlife habitat. Conversion to other forest types and fire suppression have all reduced longleaf acres to less that 5% of their historical range.
“Watersheds in Southern Region are vital for drinking water supplies. They are also at high risk of losing water yield due to climate change and possible land use changes. Jon Scott, NFWF Program Director for Southern Forests, said that providing options to forest owners in Texas and throughout the South can help maintain surface drinking water supplies clean and plentiful.
Water quality is critical to your success
Water quality and quantity are key indicators of the health of local ecosystems as well as the success of smart landmanagement. Water supplies are filtered out of unhealthy forests by filtering pollutants. It is not about drinking water. It’s all about the economy and jobs. The surface water accounts for approximately two-thirds the supply of municipal, manufacturing and electricity needs.
“We often lose sight of critical ecosystem services that sustainably managed trees provide. Water protection is one of the most important actions people can take. We are not making more. Landowners like myself are thrilled that the Forestlands Stewards partnership helps us improve our water supply,” states Amanda Haralson (Chair of The Longleaf Alliance and active member of Texas Longleaf Team).
The mission of The Longleaf Alliance The goal is to secure a long-term future for the longleaf pin ecosystem by partnering, landowner assistance, science-based education and outreach. Forestlands Stewards supports the Longleaf Alliance as well as other efforts to engage private landowners.
Forests provide ecological services that are essential for our survival.
One of the greatest strengths of Forestlands Stewards is its ability bring people together to share their ideas. An example is the Savannah River Clean Water Fund. The Fund is made up of IP, conservation groups and utilities as well as county and city governments, many of which are Forestland Stewards Partners.
It could work in Texas, where longleaf is a possibility. The Fund shows that conserving Savannah River Basin upstream forests can reduce downstream pollutants and cost less than expensive water treatment facilities.
“We find more Texas and all over the United States. [US] Southeast has private forest owners who are interested in supporting ecosystem services such as water quality and biodiversity. “We must continue to work together through partnerships like Forestland Stewards, to recognize and help private landowners that use prescribed fire and/or other techniques for public benefit,” Jenny Sanders, Coordinator of Forestland Stewards. Texas Longleaf Team.
Forestland Stewards Investments
IP and NFWF invested over $2.7 million in east Texas longleaf tree restoration and management since 2013.
Our investments provide landowners with the opportunity to preserve their forests and plant native longleaf trees where possible. This is a win-win situation for wildlife and water.
Studies have shown that longleaf pine managed with prescribed fire uses approximately 15% less water than a mixed pine-hardwood forest without fire.
About the Forestland Stewards Partnership
International Paper and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established the Forestland Stewards alliance in 2013 to protect and restore southern forestlands. These forests are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. The partnership supports projects to restore and strengthen native forests and fish and wildlife populations and protect watersheds. At the same time, it promotes and supports the development of working forests in 12 South American states. More information: Forestland Stewards.
International Paper
International Paper (NYSE – IP) is a major global supplier of products made from renewable fibers. We make corrugated packaging products to protect and promote goods and allow worldwide commerce. Our headquarters is located in Memphis, Tenn. We employ around 38,000 people worldwide. With manufacturing operations in North America and Latin America, we serve customers around the world. The net sales for 2021 was $19.4 billion. You can see how we are building a better tomorrow for people, the environment, and our company. internationalpaper.com/Vision-2030.
Contact Information
Spokesperson International Paper Company
Website: http://www.internationalpaper.com
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE: International Paper Company