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Expertise in Integrating Solutions RCRA For several years, WHC has helped corporations optimize Brownfield redevelopment and Superfund/RCRA remediation through the use of natural resource-based approaches and ecological enhancements. Remediation projects, which include wildlife conservation and enhancement, are achieving substantial cost savings as well as improving the social, economic and environmental value of sites. Encouraging sustainable development through ecological approaches also creates valuable benefits for communities, such as green space and opportunities to learn about the environment. WHC works with companies to re-use these sites instead of expanding elsewhere and developing new sites. Sites have seen new vitality and utility, adding new jobs and investing millions of dollars in capital growth. We are on the threshold of new opportunities to expand the use of ecological enhancements in the nationwide effort to clean up contaminated sites and return them to productive use. WHC has hosted a series of conferences on Brownfields, Superfund and RCRA projects through the support of a diverse senior-level Steering Committee that are designed to help participants strategize the necessary problem solving steps in making ecological enhancements a reality. Summaries for the conferences are accessible from the link Brownfields/Remediation. Partnerships WHC continues to become a recognized leader in the conservation arena providing technical support, opportunities for information exchange and often funding through grants to enable community-based projects. WHC facilitates several federal and state partner programs such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Backyard Conservation, U.S. EPA Five-Star Restoration Challenge Grant Program and Joint Venture Programs associated with the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The Five-Star Program was established as a means for working with partners for education through community-based wetlands restoration projects in watersheds across the U.S. A Five-Star partner develops volunteerism within the community and provides significant progress toward creating sustainability. These grassroots efforts will make a significant contribution to our environmental landscape and to the understanding of the importance of healthy wetlands and streams in our communities. Diverse groups working together have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and most projects continue to expand with new ideas for enhancement and receive additional support after the initial steps are complete.
Moving Ahead The Wildlife Habitat Council is meeting the environmental challenges of the new millennium and together with our partners and members forging ahead as environmental stewards of this planet. We will continue to focus on educating our youth for they are the future conservators of our natural resources. Through knowledge and passion, we can promote a greater understanding of the natural world. Thank you for sharing our vision to conserve and restore natural ecosystems for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
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