IP Celebrates National Forest Week and Public-Private Partnerships That Bolster Healthy Forests for All
In celebration of National Forest Week, International Paper (IP) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) highlight their collaborative efforts to maintain healthy forests in the Southeast. Their Forestland Stewards Partnership, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), focuses on restoring longleaf pine habitats and supporting wildlife. This partnership funds projects that enhance National Forests, create wildlife corridors, and reduce wildfire risks. A notable success includes the recovery of the red-cockaded woodpecker in South Carolina's Francis Marion National Forest, thanks to coordinated conservation efforts. The initiative also supports controlled burns and habitat restoration on private lands, fostering healthier ecosystems and safer communities.
- None.
- None.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2024 / In honor of National Forest Week, International Paper (IP) and longtime partner National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) celebrate the collaboration between public and private partners that are essential to supporting robust forests and wildlife throughout the Southeast.
Joint efforts between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Forestland Stewards Partnership, a longstanding collaboration between IP and NFWF, focus on restoring and maintaining healthy forests that cross boundaries between public and private lands. This partnership brings together funding from NFWF, IP, USFS and other funders to support competitive grants that fund projects to enhance the health of National Forests and restore and manage longleaf pine habitat on private lands adjacent to or near these forests, creating corridors for wildlife and reducing wildfire risks.
"One of the most effective ways to ensure the resilience of our forests is through cooperation across boundaries and leveraging public and private resources," said Jon Scott, southern forests program director with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. "Our projects support both public and private landowners, leading to healthier ecosystems and safer communities."
The Forestland Stewards Partnership has supported more than a dozen projects that are in or adjacent to the 18 National Forests within the historical longleaf pine forest range. These projects have been bolstered by the USFS's investments through the partnership and willingness to collaborate with non-government organizations and private landowners.
"International Paper proudly celebrates our National Forests this week, and every week," said Sophie Beckham, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. "We are grateful for the conservation and recreational opportunities provided within the National Forests, but also for the financial and technical support USFS provides through the Forestland Stewards Partnership. Together, we are working toward a common goal of thriving forests that support wildlife and communities."
A prime example of a National Forest Week success story that crosses these public-private boundaries is the red-cockaded woodpecker. One of the first species listed under the Endangered Species Act, decades-long conservation efforts have helped the red-cockaded woodpecker recover a healthy, sustainable population in South Carolina's Francis Marion National Forest (FMNF). The woodpeckers, which rely on mature longleaf pine forests, currently occupy nearly all the suitable longleaf pine habitat in the National Forest, but other mature longleaf forests are too far away for the birds to reach on their own. Efforts supported by partners, including the USFS, NFWF and IP, have allowed for some of the birds from the FMNF to be moved to carefully selected and prepared longleaf sites on private lands where new populations are taking hold.
Funding provided to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Longleaf Alliance also has enabled Francis Marion National Forest to conduct controlled burns, which are essential to restoring and maintaining longleaf pine habitat for red-cockaded woodpeckers and other wildlife and assist private landowners with longleaf habitat restoration. Seasonal fire crews funded by this partnership have been crucial in maintaining the forest's health and resilience.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were
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
This is an adult red-cockaded woodpecker that was translocated from the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina. Photo provided by Lisa Lord with The Longleaf Alliance.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: International Paper Company
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-paper-company
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: International Paper Company
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
What is the focus of International Paper's (IP) celebration during National Forest Week?
How does the Forestland Stewards Partnership support wildlife?
What role does the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) play in the partnership with International Paper (IP) and NFWF?
How has the red-cockaded woodpecker benefited from the partnership between IP, NFWF, and USFS?
What are some key activities funded by the Forestland Stewards Partnership?
