Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife – F2W2

Forests are vital to watershed health and wildlife needs. Two-thirds of our country's freshwater supply originates in forests. Protecting the water running through this land, and the wildlife living on it, is critical to meeting our nation's conservation goals.

Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife is the conservation initiative of the American Forest Foundation (AFF) in partnership with ATFS and its membership of 65,000 private forest landowners. Reaching this audience, who own almost 60 percent of U.S. forestland, with experience and knowledge in protecting wildlife habitat, water quality, sustainable forestry, soil conservation and providing needed forest products is the heart of Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife (F₂W₂).

The F₂W₂ conservation approach is pro-active, adaptable and cost effective. Our goals are met through two projects, Shared Streams and Forested Flyways. These conservation projects generate wildlife habitat improvement on private forestland and leverage the conservation impact through demonstration field days.

We manage these projects at the national level, but they are defined, developed and implemented at the local level. Wildlife experts, professional foresters, other conservation organizations and government agencies support our projects. Through these conservation and demonstration projects, we act as a peer-to-peer mentor to motivate landowners to replicate stewardship efforts and to initiate their own conservation projects.

Our partners play a critical role as field day speakers, provide wildlife management recommendations and introduce available cost share and technical assistance programs to landowners.

Our Conservation Purpose

The decision by forest owners to manage – or not to manage – their forestland today will determine the wildlife, recreation opportunities, water quality and lifestyle we'll enjoy tomorrow. Studies suggest that every year for the next 10 years a Connecticut-sized piece of land (approximately three million acres) will break down from larger forests into smaller forests of less than 100 acres. Fragmentation like this complicates planning. Where 50 landowners might have "owned" a watershed twenty years ago, today 110 might share control. In 10 years, it might be 160. More decision makers, with more of them living away from the property - makes it difficult to conserve wildlife habitat, protect watershed quality, and sustain forest health.

Slowing fragmentation and improving forest and watershed health relies on forest owners generating enough necessary income from their land to pay taxes, reinvest in conservation activities, state Best Management Practices, and resist the financial pressures of urban sprawl. Our Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife programs Shared Streams and Forested Flyways directly improve wildlife habitat on private forest land while assisting forest owners in developing strategies to increase their efforts in stewardship and keep their land forested.

Program Components

Conservation Projects
Our conservation partners are actively searching for, initiating, and funding conservation and demonstration projects on private forestlands in areas identified as critical habitat for fish and other aquatic species. Each project will connect forest owners with conservation organizations, ATFS volunteer foresters, and other partners to improve wildlife habitat and develop long term strategies to protect watersheds and forest health.

Demonstration and Educational Activities
Each conservation project will become a high-profile demonstration and education site for forestland owners, loggers, conservation scientists, and forest managers. Workshops and field tours will demonstrate wildlife habitat improvement strategies, Best Management Practices (BMP's), discuss technical and financial assistance available for conservation projects, and provide an opportunity for certified Tree Farmers to share their positive experiences as managing forest owners with their neighbors.

Technical Assistance
Our Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife (F₂W₂) programs direct forestland owners to one of our 7,000 volunteer foresters, local conservation groups, land trusts and natural resource professionals who can provide assistance in developing conservation and forest management plans. Plans will take into account forest owners' land use goals and interests, state BMP's and contribute to wildlife habitat improvement, watershed protection, and forest health.

Ongoing Contact and Assistance
Forest owners who develop conservation and forest management plans will be provided with ongoing support and assistance through ATFS's existing certification and inspection program. At least every five years an ATFS volunteer forester will visit a Tree Farmer to review their management plan, offer advice and assistance and make appropriate management suggestions.

Outreach and Promotion
F₂W₂ projects and the voluntary actions of the participating forest owners will be widely promoted through local and national media. Activities will include articles in magazines, newsletters, and web sites, television coverage, and recognition at state and national meetings.

For more information about opportunities to improve wildlife habitat, watersheds and forest management contact Drue DeBerry, American Forest Foundation, at 1-888-889-4466 or Email: ddeberry@forestfoundation.org.