Corporate Certification Program
Habitat Partners© offers a Corporate Certification Program that is open to businesses and industries interested in habitat improvement projects on their lands which will make a substantial contribution to the welfare of wildlife communities.
One of the goals of Habitat Partners© is to promote species diversity and enhancement of game and non-game wildlife populations. By encouraging companies to establish or improve wildlife conservation practices, and by providing a framework for recognition of these corporate conservation projects, we hope to improve wildlife education opportunities for a company's employees as well as for the citizens of the local community.
What is "habitat"?
Habitat refers to the essential elements that all wildlife species need to survive: adequate food, water and shelter in an appropriate arrangement. A diverse habitat is one that has a wide range of plant types, layers and edges that provide cover from weather and predators, nectar sources for insects, nuts and berries for birds and mammals, and places to raise young. The more diverse the habitat features, the greater the diversity of wildlife that can live there.
Why is habitat important?
The face of our landscape is constantly changing, and with increasing urbanization and development comes fragmentation and loss of critical habitats. Habitat loss is the greatest single factor adversely affecting wildlife populations today. The Corporate Certification Program provides an incentive for large company landowners to "give something back" to wildlife.
How can habitat be improved?
Many corporations are surrounded by large tracts of land where habitat improvements can be made. Take a look around the grounds of your company, and you’re bound to find "waste" areas where enhancements might be appropriate. Some examples of habitat improvements include the following:
- convert high-maintenance lawn areas to native warm-season grass meadows
- install a nest box trail
- improve stream buffers or corridors
- plant food plots and brood strips
- add trees and shrubs to the landscape
- provide nectar sources for butterflies
- supply a water source or upgrade an existing water feature for wildlife
- enhance winter cover with brush piles
Qualifying Projects
The Corporate Certification Program targets new corporate habitat improvement projects that will impact a substantial cumulative acreage, such that a significant benefit to wildlife is realized. In addition, the project tract(s) must be in compliance with all state and federal environmental laws.
Getting Started
There are several stages involved in the habitat planning process. First, you will need to inventory the existing habitats and compile a detailed map of the site. A wildlife species inventory will also be needed to form a complete habitat assessment. Next, identify areas where habitat can be improved. Then select a project and develop a habitat improvement plan. Submit your findings along with the plan to the Department of Game & Inland Fisheries for review.
Implementation & Monitoring
A DGIF biologist will review your submittal and make a site visit before approving the project. Once the plan is approved, your team will implement the project and monitor its success, documenting long term improvements to wildlife populations. The project can be registered as a WildlifeMapping monitoring site, which will enable your company to submit ongoing wildlife observations to this vital statewide database.
The Habitat Plan
The ideal plan is one that has the potential to increase wildlife species diversity on your particular tract of land and that makes a substantial contribution to the enhancement or restoration of wildlife communities. Employee participation in the project and community cooperation are strongly encouraged. DGIF will give special consideration to plans that improve or enhance habitats for species of special concern or threatened or endangered species, as well as to plans that address the restoration of or improvements to wetlands, riparian corridors, early successional areas, and fish passageways.
How DGIF Can Help
Planning your industry habitat will require input from many sources, and you will likely call upon in-house scientists, a consulting biologist, environmental consultant or other professional wildlife consultants. DGIF biologists are also available to assist your industry habitat team with technical expertise and project guidance. In addition, our education staff will be happy to work with your team and provide pertinent resource information or conduct a program for your employees about wildlife and habitats.
Project Recognition
After one year of habitat implementation and monitoring, the final step in the process is to submit a report of project results and an application for certification. DGIF staff will then conduct a final review. If the project has accomplished program goals, a Habitat Partners© Corporate Certificate will be awarded. DGIF will also provide a program logo and designate a signage vendor if the company would like to produce a sign at their expense.