Longleaf Pine Restoration - Bibb County
Longleaf Pine Restoration
The longleaf pine ecosystem will be restored on approximately 132 acres of property which lies at the confluence of the Cahaba River and the Little Cahaba River. The Property is also adjacent to Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area. Longleaf pine was once Alabama's most abundant tree, but it has been greatly reduced in its extent, with much of its range now occupied by agriculture and/or forestry operations. The Alabama Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have identified the longleaf pine ecosystem as critical habitat. Longleaf pine communites now exist in just 3% of their previous range throughout the Southeast. Longleaf pine forest and savanna is considered one of the most endangered habitats in the country today. The longleaf pine ecosystem benefits four amphibians, 13 reptiles, five birds and nine mammals in greatest conservation need. A prescribed fire regime will also be implemented for glades that exist on the property. This habitat enhancement will benefit of five reptiles, eight birds and 2 mammals in greatest conservation need and will a variety of rare vascular plants (approximately 76) including Federally listed Mohr's Barbara's-buttons and Tennessee yellow-eyed-grass.