Advancing Longleaf Conservation in East Texas

Wendy J. Ledbetter The Nature Conservancy

Stakeholder Forum | October 22, 2015

Project Overview 2013 -2017 The Texas Longleaf Implementation Team is assisting landowners with establishment/conversion, restoration and management of lands to benefit the longleaf forest system for prioritized values in East Texas. Compliments

– Lower Mississippi Joint Venture and the development of the Open Pine Model (upland communities)

– Shortleaf Draft Initiative Program (fire application, etc.) – TPWD Statewide Conservation Plan, East Texas Black Bear

Taskforce/TPWD Black Bear Mgt. Plan, NWTF and Quail Plans – The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation Planning (ecoregional and

conservation area planning (WGCP, UWGCP, Big Thicket, Longleaf Ridge and Weches Glades Conservation Area Plans)

Project Overview 2013 -2017 The Texas Longleaf Implementation Team is assisting landowners with establishment/conversion, restoration and management of lands to benefit the longleaf forest ecosystem for prioritized values in East Texas. hnd” R Esu lts

– Reforestation- 2,035 Acres – Mechanical and Chemical Treatments - 520 Acres – Fire Application -12,012 Acres – Native Understory Restoration Experimental Plot- 15 Acres – Private Landowner Contact -250 Individuals

Texas Longleaf Implementation Team TEAM FUNCTIONALITY & LEADERSHIP PARTNERSHIPS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH LONGLEAF CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TECHNICAL TEAM ASSISTANCE UNDERSTORY RESTORATION FACILITATING OPERATIONS SUPPORT

Ecological Importance of Longleaf Ridge and Big Thicket Significant Geographic Areas

• Western Extent of the Longleaf Forest Ecosystem in the United States-West Gulf Coastal Plain

• Biological rich region of Texas • Longleaf Pine Woodlands, Sandhills and Wet Savannas • Sarracenia alata Hillside Seepage Herbaceous Bogs • Catahoula Glades and Barrens • Associated/Embedded Terrestrial/Aquatic Associations • Seven Federal and State Listed Plant Species • Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Bachman’s Sparrow • Three Snake Species • Dragonfly and Crayfish Species • Migratory Flyway Neo-Tropical Songbirds (directly north of Texas Gulf Coast/High Island Cheniers)

Implementation Status/Threats: • Residential/Commercial Development • Additional Oil and Gas Operations Major Restoration Challenges and Opportunities: • Development and demonstration of multiple use values of

species/system to landowners • Facilitation of Prescribed Burning Operations • Refining Chemical Treatment Applications • Development of Regional Native Seed Sources/ Production

Looking Forward What is the long-term commitment & maintenance?

• Add key regional partners to DOP (Alabama-Coushatta Tribe) (Hancock Forest Mgt.) and engage others for membership.

• Incorporation of team’s work into existing partner budgets . • Seek self-supporting funding mechanisms for supporting the

team’s efforts and leadership. • Follow-up and support of landowners who have committed to

longleaf forestry efforts. • Refine technical and logistical needs.

Looking Forward Current Opportunities for Partners of the LIT • Forest Legacy Phase II Addition -Longleaf Ridge (6,000 acres) • Conservation Easement - Scrappin’ Valley 2,105 acres • 114 Acre Addition Donation –Turkey Creek Unit, Big Thicket National

Preserve. Historically wet longleaf savanna. Restoration potential for National Park Service.

• Reforestation 100,000 Seedlings-Big Thicket Natl. Preserve- Centennial Celebration

• Forest Planning-Revision National Forests & Grasslands of Texas Management Plan

Lessons Learned – Identify key decision makers in administrative processes/program

decisions and engage them appropriately for program advances. – Seek under represented partners/members – Identify preferred methods of communication (especially with

landowners). – Find common ground among partners and communicate and develop

talking points/messages. – Advocate for higher incentives that benefit longleaf conservation for

cost share programs. – Utilizing the value of forest protection as a safe measure for

response to water source protection for communities and response of the environment to climate change.

What Has Worked Well? • Projects are in Tandem with TFS Community Protection

Program (financial assistance for Rx burning), Forest Stewardship Program (preparation of stewardship plans), and USDA Forest Legacy Program and LWCF submissions.

• Technical Team Visits w/ Landowners-Individual field service

• Landowner Field Days and Workshops -Professional assistance from LLA, and NC Extension Service, Joint Fire Exchange, etc.

Wendy J. Ledbetter Forest Program Manager The Nature Conservancy 3888 Hwy 327 West Silsbee, Texas 77656 wledbetter@tnc.org 409-658-4300 (Mobile)

Contact Information