This project will focus on the continued restoration, enhancement and ongoing management of longleaf pine forests across 4,300 contiguous acres of mixed longleaf and loblolly pine forest in louisiana

Award Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of the Interior, awarded a $150,000 Cooperative Agreement to Crowell Forest Resources, LLC under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. This award represents a continuation of habitat restoration efforts on a Louisiana property previously funded under the program in 2020.

Deliverables and Services

The awardee will provide comprehensive longleaf pine forest restoration, enhancement, and management services across 4,300 contiguous acres of mixed longleaf and loblolly pine forest. Key deliverables include midstory vegetation reduction and herbaceous vegetation improvements through mechanical and chemical treatments; overstory harvest and thinning to promote open canopy conditions; conversion of approximately 150 acres of loblolly pine stands to longleaf pine through harvesting and replanting; prescribed burning across all 4,300 acres over a 2–3 year period with associated fireline maintenance; installation and refurbishment of artificial Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) cavity trees to support recruitment; annual monitoring of the RCW population by qualified biologists throughout breeding seasons; and invasive species control targeting Chinese tallow trees and Chinese privet. These on-the-ground habitat restoration activities directly support the recovery of federally trust species while reducing long-term management costs for the landowner.

This site was the recipient of a previous partners for wildlife award in 2020, involving similar habitat goals and objectives, and resulted in five (5) RCW cluster sites becoming active, significant growth in the individual RCW population and over 150 acres of longleaf restoration.habitat restoration and enhancements proposed for the project area include midstory vegetation reduction and improvements to herbaceous vegetation via mechanical and herbicide activity, overstory harvest and thinning to create low basal area, open canopy conditions for promotion of herbaceous plant communities and fire safety. Approximately 150 acres of loblolly pine stands will be harvested and replanted with longleaf pine while several other stands on the property dominated by loblolly pine are proposed for conversion to longleaf via overstory thinning and underplanting with longleaf pine seedlings. Additionally, prescribed burning will be implemented across the entire 4,300 acres over a 2 to 3 year timeframe, requiring activities such as annual fireline maintenance as well as raking around RCW cavity trees for their protection. Annual monitoring of the RCW population throughout the breeding season will be conducted using qualified biologists to ensure their continued vitality. Installation, replacement and refurbishment of artificial cavities on the property will take place to supplement the existing RCW population as well as provide recruitment sites for future RCW clusters. Invasive species control (both mechanical and chemical) will be conducted to treat recent incursions by chinese tallow trees and chinese privet in certain areas on the property. This financial assistance not only benefits recovery of rcws, but reduces the direct costs associated with ongoing habitat management and regulatory compliance, freeing up capital for private timber companies to invest in domestic timber production. These monies share a mutual benefit, as they enable companies to enhance operational efficiency while supporting critical conservation efforts for protected species.