$3.6 Million in Grants to Improve Forest and Freshwater Habitats in the Cumberland Plateau

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 14, 2024) – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced $3.6 million in grants to restore mined lands and implement wildlife-focused forest and grazing practices in the Cumberland Plateau region of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee. 

This year’s grants will more than double last year’s impact. This includes $3.3 million in matching contributions from grantees for a total conservation impact of $6.9 million, focusing on the white oak and shortleaf pine forests that support the biodiverse habitats of the Cumberland Plateau.

The grants were awarded through the Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund (CPSF), a public-private partnership between NFWF and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nestlé, Cargill and the Altria Group. The implementation of voluntary conservation practices on private lands crosses boundaries to improve and protect habitat while also making communities more resilient.

“The unique topography and diversity of species found in the Cumberland Plateau makes it a globally important landscape for conservation,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “The grants we announce today will help to conserve and protect native forests and promote biodiversity for future generations.”

The projects supported by the five grants announced today will restore and improve shortleaf pine and white oak forests. These two forest types are endangered because of development pressure and landowner practices that prevent the disturbance that both forests need. White oak is both ecologically and economically important, providing materials for fine carpentry and barrels for the spirits industry. Additionally, restoration of formerly mined lands will help make the Cumberland Plateau more resilient against threats such as invasive species and severe weather. 

“Restoring former mine lands creates opportunities for communities to benefit from economic activities tied to scenic recreation, improve habitat for hunting and wildlife enjoyment, and safeguard clean drinking water. The Forest Service is pleased to partner with private landowners and communities in the Cumberland Plateau to implement these restoration activities,” said Alice Ewen, Forest Service Assistant Director for Cooperative Forestry, Landowner Assistance. 

The Cumberland Plateau’s historical grassland and savannah habitat created transition zones with white oak and shortleaf pine forests that are essential habitat for game species such as northern bobwhite. This year’s grants will work with private landowners to implement voluntary practices that will create habitat for northern bobwhites and other species. These practices include rotational grazing, planting of native warm season grasses, and installation of fencing along streams to exclude cattle, which will have the added benefits of improving water quality and reducing soil erosion.

“We’re excited to keep the momentum going in a positive direction for working farms and trees that help protect natural resources and increase suitable habitat for iconic game species like bobwhite quail,” said Terry Cosby, NRCS Chief. “Through these five grants, we will work with farmers to accomplish the dual objective of improving the productivity of their operations while restoring and protecting local streams, forestland, and grassland ecosystems for improved water quality, recreation opportunities, critical wildlife habitat and to combat climate change.”

This year’s projects will restore or enhance more than 3,700 acres of forest, including the planting of 270,000 trees, and improve management practices on 270 acres of previously mined lands that will reduce erosion and improve the water quality and quantity through the planting of native vegetation. 

“Collaborating with private landowners and partners is essential to restoring and protecting the natural landscapes that sustain both wildlife and our communities,” said Regional Director Mike Oetker of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Through unified efforts, we are creating healthier forests, cleaner waters, and more resilient ecosystems in the Cumberland Plateau that will benefit species like the red-cockaded woodpecker and Alabama lampmussel for generations to come.”

Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund grants focus on priority areas spanning northwest Alabama up to the Kentucky–West Virginia border. The Cumberland Plateau region is the world’s longest hardwood-forested plateau. It features various elevations, complex geology and landforms that allow for a globally significant diversity of habitats. The plateau is home to amphibians, mollusks, rare fish like the striped darter, and birds like the golden-winged warbler and ruffed grouse. 

While the Cumberland Plateau’s difficult topography has preserved forest cover from development, native shortleaf pine and white oak have been in decline because of conversion of forest types and prevention of natural disturbances that keep a varied forest canopy. With the decline of white oak and shortleaf forests, multiple species of bird and bat populations have also declined. These species rely on open-canopy woodlands and early successional and grassland habitats. The grants announced today seek to implement solutions to the threats to forests and wildlife while also making people more secure on the landscape.

A complete list of the grants made through the Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund is available here.    
 
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,800 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of more than $10 billion. NFWF is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org.

About the Natural Resources Conservation Service
For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. Now, with additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, NRCS is working to get even more conservation practices on the ground while ensuring access to programs for all producers. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.  

About the U.S. Forest Service
The mission of the USDA Forest Service is, “To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.” The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of forest lands with tribal governments, state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forest research organization in the world.

About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

About Cargill
Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. 
Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About Nestlé USA
Nestlé USA is committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. The company's food and beverage portfolio includes some of the most recognizable brands in the United States including Coffee mate, DiGiorno and Nestlé Toll House as well as category disruptors such as Sweet Earth, and are in nearly every home in the country. Nestlé USA also boasts the largest coffee portfolio in the U.S., including Nescafé and Nestlé Starbucks Coffee. Nestlé USA is part of Nestlé S.A. headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland — the world's largest food and beverage company, which has been named among "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" by Fortune magazine for twenty-five consecutive years.  For more information, visit nestleusa.com. 

About Altria Group
Altria Group is a Fortune 200 company located in Richmond Va. Altria’s tobacco companies include some of the most enduring names in American business including Philip Morris USA, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, the maker of Copenhagen and Skoal. Altria complements its total tobacco platform with ownership of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, a collection of distinctive wine estates, and significant equity investment in Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer.

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Contact:

Rob Blumenthal, 202-857-0166, rob.blumenthal@nfwf.org