North Carolina Longleaf Coalition

North Carolina Longleaf Coalition Announces Longleaf Honors

By Sarah Crate, North Carolina Forest Service, and Debbie Crane, The Nature Conservancy

Private property owners in North Carolina who are doing an excellent job of managing their longleaf are eligible for a new honor from the North Carolina Longleaf Coalition.  This spring, the Coalition will announce the first members of its Longleaf Honor Roll.  To be considered for the honor roll, property owners must have a current forest management plan, manage their longleaf with prescribed fire, and reduce negative impacts from pine straw harvesting by raking on rotation.

The Coalition developed marketing and nomination materials for the recognition program, which include a distinctive logo.  Recipients will receive a sign to post at their forest in recognition of the honor as well as a letter of commendation from the Coalition.  The Coalition plans to feature Honor Roll recipients to encourage more private property owners to actively manage their longleaf.

In addition to recognizing private landowners, the Coalition also presents the annual Illustris Palustris Award to an individual with outstanding accomplishments toward longleaf conservation.  In 2017, Lark Hayes was honored for her contributions toward the vision and early leadership of the North Carolina Longleaf Coalition and the America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative.

For more information on these awards, visit nclongleaf.org.

IMAGE CAPTION:

Image 1:  Lark Hayes proudly displays her 2017 Illustris Palustris Award.  Photo by Sarah Crate/NCFS.

Archive