Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area (WMA) received a grant from Colonial Pipeline Company to increase habitat for pollinators and wildlife. The grant will create 30 acres of early successional habitat on the WMA.
Early successional habitat consists of native grasses, flowering plants, shrubs and young trees. These areas are rich in pollinators including insects, birds and even small mammals. Pollinators are necessary in the production of human foods and they support the production of and provide food for many types of wildlife.
Prentice Cooper is best known for its expansive forest and scenic areas. Not only a state forest, this area is also a WMA and provides hunting and shooting range opportunities. Located in Marion County, it consists of over 24,600 acres.
Prentice Cooper WMA Manager Clint Smith has worked on the WMA for 14 years, focusing on habitat projects that promote forested ecosystems, big game and small game such as squirrel and rabbit. “The WMA lacks in quality early successional habitat. These 30 acres will help diversify habitat on the WMA. Soils along the pipeline are conducive for this type of project,” he said.
The project will take six to eight months to complete and will consist of installation of native plants that provide for pollinators and other wildlife such as ground-nesting birds. Mr. Smith said, “Turkey poults, songbirds and a variety of other species will benefit from this project. We’re grateful for the opportunity.”
Colonial Pipeline Company connects refineries, primarily located in the Gulf Coast, with customers and markets throughout the Southern and Eastern United States. The company delivers refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, and fuel for the U.S. Military safely and reliably.
The new partnership with the Prentice Cooper WMA demonstrates Colonial’s commitment to protect the environment and support communities along its 5,500-pipeline system. Colonial maintains anEnvironmental Partner Program engaging environmental group stakeholders along its right-of-way on pipeline safety and environmental protection. Learn more by visiting www.colpipe.com.