The Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP), formed in 1996, brings together 19 public and private partners to conserve and restore the longleaf pine ecosystem and unique aquatic resources of northwest Florida and southern Alabama.
After the completion of the Waterbird Conservation Plan in 2024, EGCPJV staff were excited to share the effort with our many partners, while also learning what challenges they face when planning and implementing conservation actions for priority waterbird species like King Rail, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Plover and American Oystercatcher.
Dr. Phil Darby with the University of West Florida (UWF) began his collaboration with the EGCPJV in 2015 when he initiated a long-term wintering waterfowl survey in the Pensacola region.