The Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP), formed in 1996, brings together 19 public and private partners to conserve and restore the longleaf pine ecosystem and unique aquatic resources of northwest Florida and southern Alabama. Together, these partners own and manage nearly 1.3 million acres, including 70% of the world’s remaining old-growth longleaf pine habitats, with some trees aged at 500 years.
GCPEP’s work to conserve and protect longleaf pine benefits rare species associated with longleaf including gopher tortoise, reticulated flatwoods salamander, and the Florida bog frog, which are found nowhere else in the world. While pursuing their individual missions, the partners address the overlapping goals of protecting and managing the exceptional biodiversity of the GCPEP landscape. Due to the management and restoration efforts of the GCPEP partners, significant progress has been made with the recovery of this diverse ecosystem and the unique plants and animals found within. GCPEP is led by a Steering Committee and supported by staff who work with partners to implement priority projects. This progressive partnership demonstrates that organizations with different missions can cooperate to achieve success under the common goal of landscape-scale ecosystem conservation.
Read more on the East Gulf Coastal Plain JV website >>
Photo by Larry Goodman
