Utility Sites Recognized For Wildlife Protection
Two sites managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have been recognized for efforts to protect and enhance wildlife habitats.
The Colbert Fossil Plant and the Wilson Dam/Muscle Shoals Reservation have been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council, for their outstanding management of wildlife habitat and environmental education efforts.
This is the first time Colbert has been recognized by the WHC for its program. The Muscle Shoals site was certified in 2000 and recertified this year.
In 1993, Colbert employees began habitat improvements including the placement of boxes for bluebirds and wood ducks, the establishment of wildlife food plots and roadside wildflower areas, and improvements of riverbank areas using native plants. The employees also integrate wildlife projects with their Partners in Education program to provide environmental education opportunities for elementary and middle school students.
Additions and improvements to the Muscle Shoals site since its 2000 award include doubling the size of roadside wildflower planting areas, converting 50 acres of non-native turf grass to native grassland meadow, and increasing the total number of monitored bluebird boxes to 53. Through additional community partnerships, the program has expanded its public awareness and environmental education efforts.
TVA, the only federally owned and operated utility, has received two other certifications from the WHC since 1999, recognizing its wildlife habitat program at the Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant and its Reservoir Releases Improvements program.
The Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit group of corporations, conservation organizations, and individuals dedicated to protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat. Since 1988, the organization has helped businesses manage their unused lands to benefit wildlife and broaden understanding of wildlife values.
Provided by theEnvironmental News Service. .
