Healthy Forest Reserve Program 2007

Program enhances, restores ecosystems for threatened, endangered species

Red-cockaded woodpecker habitat in the Lower Ouachita River Flatwood region of Arkansas is being enhanced through the Healthy Forest Reserve Program (HFRP).

The program is designed to help restore and enhance forest ecosystems, increase biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration and provide assurances to landowners with regard to the recovery of threatened and endangered species on private forestlands.

The red-cockaded woodpecker requires pine forests with lower timber density and larger trees than what normally occurs on lands where timber production is the main emphasis.

Prescribed fire and timely thinning create the structural conditions the birds need for foraging and nesting, and also benefit many other wildlife species.

Red-cockaded woodpeckers keep sap flowing around their nests to ward off predators. Through HFRP, metal bands can be placed above and below the nesting cavity to keep predators out.

The program is also expected to help the bald eagles, pink mucket mussel, winged mapleleaf mussel, Ouachita rock pocketbook mussel and the Geocrapon minimum (a plant).

These species are expected to benefit as a result of improved pine forest habitat conditions, implementation of forestry best management practices and improved water quality through better management of riparian areas.

HFRP was available in four watersheds in Southern Arkansas including parts of Ouachita, Calhoun, Union, Bradley, Ashley and Drew counties.

Program applications are prioritized according to a ranking criteria that promotes the recovery of the endangered woodpecker.

To be eligible, landowners must develop a forest management restoration plan that includes the implementation of conservation practices necessary to restore and enhance forested habitat for selected species. NRCS provides technical assistance to help participants develop and implement their HFRP forest management restoration plans.

Arkansas HFRP Quick Facts for 2007

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