4. The Conservation and Management of the B. W. Wells Savannah
Walk in the Wells Savannah/Niche
Wells’ Big Savannah had been lost, and with LeBlond’s discovery of its ghost, there was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to save and even expand and restore the unique habitat. Once the ghost savannah had been identified, an exploratory group was formed to determine if the land could be set aside for conservation. A partnership comprised of the Coastal Land Trust, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the Conservation Trust of North Carolina, the N.C. Wildflower Preservation Society and others, sought funding from public and private sources. The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, assisted by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the Conservation Trust of North Carolina, the North Carolina Wildflower Preservation Society and others raised approximately $60,000 to purchase the ghost savannah in April of 2002. Included in the 117-acre purchase was both the open savannah habitat under the power lines, and the adjacent pond pine/longleaf pine forest (view a map of the area, supplied by the Coastal Land Trust).
Agreements have helped secure the B.W. Wells Savannah/Niche
The “ghost savannah” was dedicated by the Coastal Land Trust as the B. W. Wells Savannah in June of 2002 to honor the work of Dr. Wells. Faculty and students of the Department of Botany at NC State University led a thorough inventory of the savannah’s plants and soils. The Coastal Land Trust developed plans for its future stewardship, including management by controlled burning, and the restoration of nearby forested land to savannah habitat.
In 1983, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and Progress Energy (then called CP&L) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to conserve rare plants under powerline rights-of-way at specific sites across the state including the B.W. Wells Savannah. This management agreement recognizes the complimentary needs of Progress Energy to keep these rights-of-way clear of woody vegetation and many of the rare plants species which reside in the powerline corridors because they are adapted to some form of disturbance to keep their habitats open. Once the Coastal Land Trust purchased the B.W. Wells Savannah, they began coordinating with Progress Energy on management of the site to assure that the Savannah would be protected from disturbance. For example Progress Energy agreed to not mow the Savannah during the growing season, and the NCCLT agreed to notify Progress Energy of plans for prescribed burning.
Photo of Wells Savannah burning/NCCLT
On April 2, 2002, the Coastal Land Trust purchased the 117-acre Savannah from Mr. and Mrs. Robert McGowen, Jr. of Wallace. Funding for the conservation of the Savannah came from grants from the Progress Energy Foundation, the Land Trust Alliance and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with a contribution from the North Carolina Wild Flower Preservation Society. The Coastal Land Trust’s private capital campaign to save the Savannah was a resounding success with financial gifts from over 150 individuals. Due to the phenomenal interest and support for conserving this special site, the Coastal Land Trust was able to garner enough funds to purchase the property in just one year.
Dig Deeper
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