Madison, WI The Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) today announced the winners of this year’s SFI Leadership Award at the 2022 SFI / Project Learning Tree (PLT) Annual Conference. Weyerhaeuser, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Apalachian Mountains Joint Venture (AMJV), the American Bird Conservation (ABC), the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the University of West Virginia (WVU) have been recognized for required partnerships. Decrease in size to combat bird flu. The partners are working together on an SFI-funded project funded by the NFF to recover vital breeding habitats in forests in West Virginia. Additional support for the project came from the United States Geological Survey, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement.
“This project demonstrates SFI’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of SFI-certified lands that promote sustainable solutions through forest-based partnerships. According to KFI Abusow, President and CEO of SFI, our mission is to bring about meaningful change by bringing together leading defense organizations and SFI-certified organizations.
The project will focus on three endangered species of birds: the golden winged warbler, the cervical warbler, and the wood gland.
Amanda Basow, director of the NFWF North East Regional Office, said: “The project has the potential to serve as a model to connect private owners to promote wood and wildlife management, and we thank the NFFF for our partners in funding the US Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Richard King Melon Foundation.
Weyerhaeuser has provided leadership as an SFI-certified organization, using forest land, providing equity funds, facilitating contact with family-owned forest lands, and financing the purchase of technical equipment for WVU. Weyerhaeuser is partnering with SFI and ABC to identify, develop, and share best practice guidelines for other institutional landowners in North America.
“Weyerhaeuser is looking forward to furthering this collaborative effort to better understand the relationship between these species of birds and our forests,” said Heering Stabins, a wildlife biologist at Weyerhaeuser. Weyerhaeuser’s role is crucial, as the company’s active involvement serves as a model for engaging other large private owners, helping to ensure meaningful research impact.
NFFF funding reflects the deep understanding of the importance of flexible partnerships and innovation for the SFI-led project and ensures the participation of many loyal partners. By connecting AMJV and ABC with family forest owners and raising awareness of best bird management practices, ABC has expanded its work with SFI on a number of bird conservation projects. WVDNR plays a key partnership role in linking conservation priorities with WVU in the project, which provides field research to monitor the impact of forest management on endangered species.
Chris Litituma, an assistant professor of wildlife and fisheries at WVU, said: “This project brings together federal, state, private, university and non-governmental organizations to explore the best practices for these species and to implement those practices to improve population.”
West Virginia’s experimental sites, which cover at least 15,000 acres of forest in Central Apalchia, are among the most biologically diverse and medium-sized forests in the United States. Birds of prey, such as the golden winged birds, the cervical vertebrae, and the woodpeckers search the various forest habitats in the central Apalchian Mountains. Most of these forests are privately owned and managed, highlighting the importance of this project as a template for future strategies.
“Our planning and implementation approach will enable landowners to meet the requirements of landscape biodiversity in accordance with SFI certification,” said Paul Triyansky, SFI’s Chief of Defense. This project builds on SFI metrics, meeting experience and commitment to further improvement. The best practices developed in this regard will help inform management practices in SFI-certified lands.
In Care Of Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser, one of Timberland’s largest private equity firms, began operations in 1900. We own about 11 million acres[30 million ha]of woodland in the United States and administer additional timber in Canada. We will manage these woodlands in a sustainable manner by adhering to internationally recognized forest standards. We are one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in the United States. Our company is a real estate investment firm. A.D. By 2021, we have generated $ 10.2 billion in net sales and hired nearly 9,200 customers worldwide. Our joint stock trading is under the New York Stock Exchange WY. Weyerhaeuser is a SFI certified organization. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.
About the University of West Virginia
As a landowner, West Virginia University faculty, staff and students are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that promotes education, health and prosperity for all. Promoting high-impact research; And leading change through local, state and international engagement in West Virginia and around the world.
About American Bird Conservation
American Bird Conservation is a non-profit organization established to protect wildlife and habitats throughout the United States. Emphasizing results and working collaboratively, we take on the great challenges facing birds today, build new innovations and rapid advances in science to stop extinction, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build bird conservation capabilities. Contact us at abcbirds.org, Facebook, Instagram and more. Twitter (@ABCbirds)
Joint Venture for the Apalchian Mountains
AMAV, a joint venture between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a regional partnership of more than 55 state and federal agencies, conservation agencies and universities. Guided by our mission and vision, we are committed to protecting the environment for the benefit of birds, wildlife and people in the heart of the Apalchian region. Our partnership extends from Alabama Southwest Apalchian to Northeast Highlands in South New York. It covers 103 million acres in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and all parts of West Virginia. Eastern United States.
About the West Virginia Natural Resources Division
The mission of the Natural Resources Division (DNR) is to provide the region with a comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of renewable natural resources in the region. The agency provides countless indoor recreation opportunities for West Virginia residents and visitors, and preserves and preserves unique natural, scientific, cultural, archaeological or historical sites.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
A.D. Created by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFFF) protects and restores the country’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, and private partners, the NFF has financed more than $ 5,000 worth of $ 6.1 billion in total protection. Learn more at nfwf.org. (Read the NFWF grant announcement, learn more about SFI’s NFWF donation, and watch a short video about the Central Apalcaya Housing Management Program.)
