Ensuring the sustainability of priority bird populations, their habitats, and the communities of which they are a part.
East Gulf Coastal Plain JV
The East Gulf Coastal Plain Joint Venture (EGCPJV) is a voluntary public‐private partnership that seeks to strategically advance the conservation of birds and bird habitats in the East Gulf Coastal Plain area. The EGCPJV covers portions of 6 states and partners include state and federal agencies, non-governmental agencies, universities and additional organizations which share our vision of bird conservation. The partnership is currently focused on advancing the science of bird conservation, restoring high priority habitat types, increasing the capacity for prescribed fire, and using effective communications to ensure that the partnership can achieve its vision.
Where We Work
The EGCPJV is a critical link for continental‐scale bird conservation and management. The region provides important breeding, migratory, and wintering habitats for a diversity of species of conservation concern, with over 300 bird species using the region during some portion of their annual cycles.
Over 180 bird species are known to breed in the EGCP. The region supports acreages of longleaf pine and maritime communities and extensive bottomland hardwood forests. These habitat and community types are among the highest priorities for conservation attention in the United States.
Priority Species & Habitats
Since our formation, we have completed the East Gulf Coastal Plain Landbird and Waterbird Conservation Plans, which identify high priority bird species. Our habitat priorities include upland hardwood and pine-hardwood woodlands and forests, eastern interior grasslands, pine dominated woodlands, and savannas, freshwater and coastal wetlands, and eastern scrub shrub.
The EGCPJV is a critical link for continental‐scale bird conservation and management. The region provides important breeding, migratory, and wintering habitats for myriad species of conservation concern, with over 300 bird species using the region during some portion of their annual cycles.
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed burning is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Southern coastal plains going back to pre-colonial times. Prescribed fire is “good fire” that limits the risk of catastrophic wildfire, so its smoke is a signal that safety measures are taking place.
In The News
Implementing Goals of EGCPJV Landbird Plan in Conecuh National Forest
September 28, 2026
Across the nation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program collaborates with private landowners who share a passion for conservation to improve habitat for the benefit of game species, migratory birds, pollinators, and federally listed species. Through technical and financial assistance, the program seeks to assist landowners in meeting their land management objectives, while also improving habitat for wildlife.
Meet the Duck – The Kind Without a Bill or Webbed Feet
September 28, 2026
Donald “Duck” Locascio earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Louisiana State University in 1994. His passion for wildlife prompted him to remain at LSU to pursue a master’s degree in wildlife—although some might argue that the opportunity to continue pursuing speckled trout, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys had something to do with the decision.
Building a Culture of Fire Across the East Gulf Coastal Plain
September 28, 2026
Fire-dependent habitats are among the most biologically diverse natural communities in the East Gulf Coastal Plain. From longleaf pine savannas in the Piney Woods to Blackland Prairies and open woodlands of the Loess Plains, these systems developed with frequent fire.