NEMOURS PLANTATION WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

The 9,800-acre property has 2,000 acres of managed wetland impoundments which date back 250-300 years when the landscape was transformed by enslaved laborers for growing rice. This infrastructure of 21 miles of dikes & 50 water control structures are today maintained for managing the historic rice fields as wetland impoundments producing critical habitats for a suite of wildlife species, especially migratory birds. Some of these impoundments are specifically managed for a species of highest concern due to population declines including the black rail. The uplands are managed for both timber production & wildlife habitat. Access to timber stands is maintained by a network of 77 miles of roads. When stands are clear-cut these stands must be prepped for replanting & seedlings purchased to replant. Some forest stands are managed as pine savanna or open woodlands which are maintained by prescribed burning. These tasks require daily work by staff & equipment to maintain.

The foundation annually supports several ongoing research graduate student projects which address critical questions to regional wildlife biology, ecology, and management. We engage in these projects with a goal to use the findings to enhance our ability to be better steards of our resources. To carry out its research mission, the foundation provides 3 houses, 4-wheeled drive vehicle, atv, & salary for staff biologist.

The foundation also maintains building used as a classroom for teaching. The foundation provides funding to clemson university for 5 graduate student research stipends & funds to support 4 technicicans associated with a long-term research project on wood ducks. The foundation also provides funding to the college of charleston for a study that includes an inventory of our cultural & historical resources. For the wood duck study, we have purchased 4 vehicles & pay rent to provide housing of the students at research sites in 2 states.