Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 6/16/2026
Item Status: New
From: Jay Dickson, Planning Director
Submitted by: James Howard, Natural Resource Planner
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ITEM TITLE
Title
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Longleaf Pine Restoration Grant Application
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Longleaf Pine Restoration Grant Application and all applicable documents.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Magnolia River watershed has been an important focus area for Baldwin County, particularly following completion of the 2021 watershed feasibility report prepared by Volkert, Inc. The report highlighted the ecological significance of the Magnolia River subwatershed, which encompasses approximately 26,000 acres of drainage area and continues to experience increasing development.
The report identified approximately 120 acres of former dirt pits along Magnolia River as a suitable location for watershed restoration activities. Baldwin County subsequently acquired the property using GOMESA funds.
Following the acquisition, the Baldwin County Commission partnered with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) to advance a larger watershed restoration project on the site. The project is currently pending GOMESA and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) funding and includes constructed wetlands and habitat restoration. The proposed NFWF Longleaf Pine Restoration Grant would support complementary restoration activities on the property, including longleaf pine establishment and native habitat restoration.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? The grant includes a 1:1 match requirement, which will be satisfied through matching contributions from NFWF Gulf Environmental Benefit fund through MBNEP.
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: Reviewed by Baldwin County Grants Department.
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: 6/29/2026
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Commission Administration and Planning and Zoning Staff
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Have Chairman sign page 27 of the application and email to James Howard and Ashley Campbell.
Additional instructions/notes: Grant application must be submitted to NFWF by June 30, 2026.