November 16, 2023
(press release)
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RMS signed the first of its kind Partners for Fish and Wildlife Agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that will facilitate reintroduction of a federally listed endangered species, the reticulated flatwoods salamander, to a historic flatwoods salamander pond on RMS managed land in Santa Rosa County, FL. This approach has removed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) related regulatory risk for the landowner. The project’s requirements were set when no salamanders were around and the land can be brought back to its original condition, if necessary. The pond is located on a tract in the Coastal Headwaters footprint that is covered by a perpetual conservation easement that ensures the lands are protected and restored to a working longleaf forest. These management actions such as the utilization of prescribed fire will provide a functioning longleaf ecosystem for the salamander to thrive, and the reintroduction imposes no ESA related regulatory risk to either the landowner or their neighbors. This historic agreement will serve as the template for future reintroductions of at risk and listed species on private lands across the United States. A big shout out to Jimmy Bullock for working endlessly on pulling this together with our many partners. RMS employees thanks you for helping create and push forward this historic conservation agreement. #CreatingForestValueSince1950 #OurPeopleOurBestAsset #Conservation #Partnerships
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