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The Wildlife Habitat Council and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are exploring alternative ways to protect wildlife habitat, reduce the environmental footprint, and promote greater environmental stewardship at corporate facilities nationwide.
WHC has been an active Network Partner in Performance Track, which is a voluntary partnership consisting of trade associations and other membership-based organizations striving for environmental excellence, participating in conferences, teleseminars, and workshops. Through meetings and conference, WHC members are recognized for their performance and programs. EPA considers WHC programs to be excellent models for use by Performance Track member facilities that must meet criteria for community outreach and improved environmental performance in a number of areas, including wildlife habitat. These facilities experience tangible cost savings and other benefits that accrue from positive recognition and improved community relations. "Working in partnership, WHC and Performance Track are creating opportunities for public and private facilities to reduce their impact on the environment, protect human health and safety, and preserve wildlife habitat."
The Wildlife Habitat Council and U.S. EPA National Environmental Performance Track program presented, a special honor of recognition to 3M during WHC’s 19th Annual Symposium, The Value of Green, in Baltimore, Maryland. Jean B. Sweeney, 3M Staff Vice President, Environmental, Health and Safety Operations, accepted on behalf of the company. This acknowledgement distinguishes the 3M Decatur facility in Alabama for its commitment to outstanding environmental leadership and wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration as a member of both the Performance Track Program and WHC. 3M Decatur is being recognized for habitat restoration and improvement projects as well as a strong commitment to public outreach, transparency of operations and corporate citizenship. In addition, this facility is also being commended for the substantial progress it has made towards challenging environmental goals as a member of Performance Track since 2005. The 3M Decatur facility continues to work towards its goals of increasing plant and animal biodiversity by linking, enhancing and creating habitats on-site. The 900-acre plant located in northwest Alabama on the shores of the Tennessee River consists of open fields, old growth forests, oak savannah, ponds and wetlands. Employees monitor and maintain nest boxes for bluebirds, wood ducks and American kestrel. The availability of suitable bird nesting habitat at the site led to its recognition as Site 19 on the North Alabama Birding Trail. A 60-acre nature trail and an observation blind allow employees and visitors to view wildlife close-up. 3M Decatur has been WHC certified for Wildlife at Work since 2004 and was awarded the prestigious Rookie of the Year award for outstanding environmental stewardship and voluntary employee efforts.
Companies participating in Performance Track can meet environmental performance requirements while engaging in a wildlife habitat program. Nowhere is that commitment more evident than Lafarge North America Inc.'s Douglasville Quarry, a charter member of the Performance Track Program. Wildlife habitat was identified as a significant environmental goal for this fully operating mining facility, which is located about 25 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. This inspired involvement with WHC, a Performance Track network partner, in the restoration of natural resources at the quarry and ensuring suitable areas are left undisturbed and preserved for wildlife habitat. To qualify for EPA’s most comprehensive voluntary program, WHC sites must have:
As part of their membership in Performance Track, program participants receive a range of incentives to motivate further improvements, including an EPA policy that calls for placing a low priority for routine inspections involving Performance Track facilities. From a wildlife habitat preservation perspective, one primary benefit of this innovative WHC EPA partnership is the opportunity to collaborate on voluntary activities that strengthen corporate participation in the protection and restoration of on-site natural resources. Management of corporate properties for a variety of native species can provide a return on investment that many might not expect. It’s simple: Managing company sites for wildlife habitat is literally an "on-the-ground" demonstration of corporate environmental principles in action. More and more companies are developing strategic environmental plans to prevent habitat loss and educate others about conservation practices. An increase in wildlife is just one of the many benefits of the well-received habitat management program. Certified WHC sites are in a unique position to participate in Performance Track and receive the benefits afforded these facilities. WHC can assist Performance Track members or prospective members that are considering making a land use/restoration commitment. Numerous opportunities, which range from economic to scientific, arise for sites that are involved in both Wildlife at Work and Performance Track. In general, proactive management is cost effective, creates community good will, enhances regulatory relationships, and improves employee morale and benefits wildlife.
On November 15, 2005, the Wildlife Habitat Council and National Environmental Performance Track recognized two Bridgestone-Firestone facilities for their exceptional environmental management and habitat preservation efforts. The special commendation ceremony took place at WHC’s 17th Annual Symposium, held in Baltimore, Maryland and honored the Oklahoma City and Warren County plants for setting challenging environmental goals, demonstrating a strong commitment to public outreach, and successfully implementing ambitious habitat restoration and improvement projects. WHC Release The Wildlife Habitat Council and National Environmental Performance Track presented a special certificate of recognition to Monsanto Company at the WHC's 16th Annual Symposium in November 2004. This acknowledgement distinguishes the Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve and Muscatine, Iowa facility for its commitment to outstanding environmental performance and wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration as a member of both Performance Track and WHC. WHC Release |
