BP Awards Big Grant to Protect Nature

Local conservation groups got a big boost Monday when the BP Foundation donated $100,000 to form a new endeavor that seeks to protect wildlife and the open space in which it lives.

The grant creates the Lowcountry Conservation Initiative, an alliance of three well-established organizations – the Avian Conservation Center, the Lowcountry Open Land Trust and the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE).

"This $100,000 grant represents BP Foundation’s commitment to helping conserve this region’s unique natural habitat and culture for generations to come," said BP Foundation Executive Director Ben Cannon.

The foundation presented the funds at a check ceremony at Center for Birds of Prey/Avian Conservation Center in Awendaw on Monday. BP officials say the funds are aimed at fostering a balance between nature and economic development.

"This initiative seeks to ensure a critical balance of land conservation, wildlife protection and an economically prosperous region," said Hope Lanier, director of Government and Public Affairs for BP America. "Understanding, respecting and maintaining that balance is critical – for businesses, for wildlife and for the preservation of this area’s rich natural and cultural history.”

The grant funds the initiative’s four key programs:

• Treating birds injured during interactions with humans
• Securing voluntary private conservation easements to protect open lands and natural refuges
• Promoting conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through the 31st annual (SEWE) educational outreach programs; and,
• Using the natural world to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the schools of coastal South Carolina.

“This grant funds a unique model among conservation organizations," said James D. Elliott Jr., Avian Conservation Center executive director. "Bringing together our complimentary resources creates a synergy for even greater impact on conservation. It will yield extraordinary results."

Founded in 1991, the center has treated more than 6,000 birds, gathers wildlife data and reaches more than 10,000 students a year through educational programs.

The initiative is focusing its conservation efforts in southeast South Carolina, which includes Cooper River, Francis Marion National Forest and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

"These significant national treasures anchor a corridor system that benefits wildlife as well as our quality of life," said Elizabeth Hagood, executive director of the Lowcountry Open Land Trust. "Linking private land trusts with these large nationally protected areas establishes an extensive network of wildlife corridors to enhance water quality, protect habitats and contribute to the scenic natural and rural character of the area."

Founded in 1986, the Lowcountry Open Land Trust and private landowners have protected nearly 90,000 acres from the Savannah River to north of Georgetown.

The initiative will showcase its programs at SEWE Feb. 15-17.

“With financial support from the BP Foundation and a platform such as SEWE to promote and celebrate this initiative, we have achieved a successful collaboration that can serve as an example to other organizations with similar goals and programs," said SEWE Executive Director John Powell commented,

Since 2006 the BP Foundation has invested more than $180 million in U.S. initiatives. The BP Foundation is a separate legal entity from BP and accounts independently for its operations, assets, liabilities and expenses.