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From N.C. Wildlife Federation

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, is launching a habitat improvement program to help private landowners support wildlife on their property, including endangered species such as red wolves, while also meeting their land management goals.

The Prey for the Pack program is open to private landowners in five northeastern North Carolina counties within the current population area of wild red wolves. Participants in the program will receive technical assistance and financial cost-share to help them implement habitat improvement projects on their property.

“Conservation of wildlife begins with habitat. With the majority of land in North Carolina being privately owned, it’s vital to form conservation partnerships with landowners to prevent loss of habitat and wildlife, especially when it comes to threatened or endangered species including red wolves,” said Dr. Liz Rutledge, Director of Wildlife Resources at the NC Wildlife Federation.

Prey for the Pack projects on private lands may include early successional, forested or riparian habitat improvement, prescribed burning, native vegetation plantings, and wetland enhancement. The percentage of financial cost-share provided to a landowner will vary depending on their selected level of project involvement. Landowners may participate in the Prey for the Pack program in conjunction with other conservation programs. Once the habitat improvement project is completed, the habitat must remain in the improved condition for 10 years to satisfy the project agreements.

To learn more about the Prey for the Pack program, contact Sarah Loeffler, Refuge Volunteer & Program Coordinator, at sarah.loeffler@ncwf.org or by phone at 252-796-3004, ext. 222.

For 75 years, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation has protected, restored and conserved wildlife and habitat in North Carolina. NCWF unites North Carolinians to ensure wildlife thrive in the Tar Heel State, from the coast to the mountains, by creating experiences that connect them to the natural world. The organization fights for science-based conservation policies at the state legislature and restoring habitat for all walks of life to enjoy. For more information, visit ncwf.org.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s primary mechanism for delivering voluntary on-the-ground habitat improvements projects on private lands for the benefit of Federal trust species: migratory birds, anadromous or migratory fish, and endangered or threatened species. Biologists provide technical and financial assistance to landowners who want to restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitats on their property. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/partners.