AUBURN, Ala – Leaders of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) in Atmore, AL, were surprised by the announcement that they had achieved three prestigious certifications for their stewardship and forest management activities on the Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve. At the June 16 United South and Eastern Tribe’s (USET) meeting in Mobile, the PBCI received certification for the Alabama Natural Resources Council’s TREASURE Forest Award, the USDA-Forest Service’s Forestry Stewardship Program, and the American Tree Farm System’s Tree Farm Program.
Dr. Bill Puckett and Billy Smith on the Awards and the Value of Partnerships:
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The TREASURE Forest award is a flagship program of the Alabama Natural Resources Council, a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) partner. The program was developed in 1974 to recognize landowners who are practicing sound sustainable multiple-use forest management. To date, approximately 2,000 landowners have received the TREASURE Forest certification, representing just over 2 million acres in Alabama. There are over 400,000 non-industrial private forest landowners in the state; to be one of the 2,000 landowners to have achieved this status is quite an accomplishment.
In presenting the certifications, Linda Casey, State Forester with the Alabama Forestry Commission, said, “I want to recognize the hard work that has gone into receiving not only the TREASURE Forest Award but also the Tree Farm and Forest Stewardship certifications. This is the first time that a landowner has received all three certifications (at one time). I commend the Tribe for this achievement.”
Dr. William Puckett, NRCS State Conservationist, said, “The PBCI are the epitome of good land stewards. They have put their commitment of preserving our natural resources into action. NRCS is proud to be a partner with the PBCI.”
The Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve is mostly timberland and is used as a recreational area for the Tribe and their guests. By working with various state and federal agencies, the Tribe has sustained, protected, and enhanced 4,156 acres of timberland and 50 lakes. The PBCI partnered with NRCS to secure financial and technical assistance for site preparation on 800 acres planted to longleaf pine, and to install firebreaks and prescribe burn over 1,200 acres of pine plantation. The wildlife accomplishments included planting 30 acres of food plots to cool and warm season forages, building numerous wood duck boxes and bird houses, and thinning 1,280 acres to improve wildlife habitat.
Chairman Buford Rolin accepted four plaques to display in Tribal offices and three signs to post in the Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve to demonstrate the Tribe’s commitment to land stewardship. Chairman Rolin said, “The projects that we have worked with NRCS on have really been rewarding to the Tribe. I encourage all of the USET Tribes to take advantage of this agency, because they have a lot to offer.” When addressing the USET board members, Chairman Rolin said, “We just want everyone to know how much we appreciate this recognition, but more importantly, we want to share with our other Tribal people to take advantage of NRCS. They have a lot to offer. They are our friends.”