Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP) was formed in 1996 when public and private landowners and land management partners united. The goal is to conserve and restore the dwindling longleaf pine ecosystem and unique aquatic resources of northwest Florida and southern Alabama. This effort, joining 10 major conservation entities and 1,052,000 acres of land and water, has stabilized endangered red-cockaded woodpecker populations, increased prescribed fire as a management tool, and restored thousands of acres of longleaf pine.
Overview of the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership:
The Gulf Coastal plain Ecosystem partnership (GCPEP) is a collaboration among the Department of Defense, Florida Division of Forestry, Northwest Florida Water Management District, National Forests in Alabama, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Nokuse Plantation, National Park Service, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and The Nature Conservancy that operate under a 1996 multi-party Memorandum of understanding (MOU) encompassing 1,052,321 acres in northwest Florida and south Alabama. This area is known for its extensive longleaf pine forests, as well as being one of the most critical freshwater and marine sites in the United States, including numerous outstanding examples of wetland, riverine, and estuarine systems.
The Partnership is guided by a Steering Committee which is composed of two representatives from each of the partner organizations, one primary and one alternate. The GCPEP Steering Committee, operating under the MOU, has agreed to guidelines to ensure efficient operation of the Partnership. In reaching agreements, consensus is the method of decision making. If there is dissent, the majority is charged with finding an alternative solution. The GCPEP Staff is present to provide information and assistance to the Steering Committee, and does not vote on partner needs. The GCPEP Staff is guided by partner needs.