Forestry for Wildlife Partnership: Georgia DNR/Westervelt
The Forestry for Wildlife Partnership is a voluntary participant-driven program that enhances wildlife conservation with large corporate landowners. Landowners with 10,000-plus acres can collaborate with Georgia DNR to implement projects that meet agency and landowner objectives. These projects and conservation efforts are recognized by Georgia DNR and, upon completion, by the governor. However, the primary project will focus on Westervelt’s Long Bridge tract in Telfair/Wheeler Counties. This 1,066-acre property borders Little Ocmulgee River and shares a boundary with Little Ocmulgee State Park. The two-year goal is to execute a conservation easement that will focus on restoring longleaf pine where appropriate, promoting suitable habitat for gopher tortoises and indigo snakes, protecting bottomland hardwoods, and reducing potential impacts from solar development and habitat fragmentation.
“The goal is for The Westervelt Company to become a recognized Forestry for Wildlife Partner with Georgia Department of Natural Resources.”