Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Program

An Endangered Species

Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) populations have declined by approximately 99 percent since European Settlement throughout their range due to loss of suitable old growth, open pine habitat. Their drastic decline in numbers led to RCWs being placed on the endangered species list in 1970, entitling it to federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The majority of all active RCW clusters (group of cavity trees used by 2-4 birds) occur on public lands, but throughout the RCW range, an estimated 23 percent are located on private lands, making the conservation of RCWs on private lands an integral part of the species' recovery. 

Historically, natural occurring forest fires helped to maintain open pine forests that RCWs thrived in. Over time fire suppression and habitat conversion across the landscape greatly reduced the amount of suitable habitat for RCWs. The introduction of prescribed fire as a management tool in southern pine forests has been key to restoring and maintaining RCW habitat, while also benefitting many other species including bobwhite quail and turkey.

What is a Safe Harbor Agreement?

To encourage landowners to protect habitat for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs), Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, implemented a Safe Harbor Program in the state in 2006. Safe Harbors are intended to foster cooperation of landowners, and benefit both endangered species and landowners simultaneously.

Under a Safe Harbor agreement, landowners agree to manage their land in ways that benefit RCW populations, but will not incur any new restrictions if RCW populations expand beyond the baseline level that exists on the property when the agreement is signed. The baseline level can even be zero if potential RCW habitat is present but no RCWs exist on the land. Potential habitat can include any pine forest managed with periodic fire for mature, open stands, including longleaf, loblolly, slash, and shortleaf pine.

Support Nongame Wildlife in Alabama With the Purchase of a Wildlife Heritage License

This license is an easy, affordable way to help conserve Alabama's natural resources for future generations. For only $11.70, you'll be helping manage lands and sustain habitats for the many species in Alabama. Your contribution actually goes much further for the state's conservation efforts due to a three-to-one federal match on every dollar.

Landowners retain all private property rights and management flexibility. Land managers are encouraged to use prescribed burning, hardwood mid-story control, pine thinnings, and longleaf pine restoration to improve land for RCWs. These management techniques help maintain a healthy southern pine forest while also benefiting other desirable species and species of conservation concern, such as bobwhite quail, Bachman's sparrow, gopher tortoise, and southeastern pocket gopher. Safe Harbor agreements have been very popular with forest landowners in other states and are considered a "win-win" program: RCW populations are protected while the rights of landowners are respected. 

Since the program's inception in Alabama, over 40,000 open pine acres of private land has been protected and has made a large contribution to the overall RCW recovery efforts. When the program started in 2006, there were a total of 11 active clusters statewide, and now there are almost 50 clusters protected on private lands. While this is a great accomplishment, there is still much to be done in the state and continued partnerships with private landowners are needed to ensure that RCW continue to thrive in Alabama. 

The RCW Safe Harbor program focuses on enrolling additional forest lands in the program, while also monitoring properties that are currently enrolled in the program. Benefits to the RCW in Alabama include increased protection and expansion of existing populations, establishment of new populations, and expanded suitable habitat for the species.

Benefits of Safe Harbor

Expected benefits for participating landowners are protection and assurance that they will not incur additional legal restrictions beyond a baseline condition agreed upon when they enter into the agreement. These activities will help contribute to the recovery of this endangered species. Other species of conservation concern that rely on open, mature pine woodlands, such as eastern indigo snake, Bachman's sparrow, gopher tortoise, and bobwhite quail, will also benefit from management of red-cockaded woodpeckers on private lands under the Safe Harbor agreement. 

Who Can Sign Up for Safe Harbor?

Landowners with forest lands supporting existing populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers, as well as those with potential open pine habitat, are encouraged to enroll their property in this voluntary program. Potential habitat includes any pine forest – longleaf, loblolly, slash, or shortleaf. There is no minimum size requirement to qualify. 

For more information on the RCW Safe Harbor Program in Alabama contact the Nongame Wildlife Program at 334-242-3469 or mercedes.maddox@dcnr.alabama.gov

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