MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — The red-cockaded woodpecker could become a common sight in Tennessee thanks to a new effort by state and federal agencies.

At the inaugural Tennessee Biodiversity Summit hosted at Middle Tennessee State University Wednesday, the chief of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's biodiversity division Josh Campbell announced that the TWRA, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched an effort to restore red-cockaded woodpecker populations in the Volunteer State.

"Its return is not just a biological milestone, it's a triumph of collaboration for all Tennesseans," Gov. Bill Lee said via video message at the summit. "...For generations, our citizens can witness the beauty and the balance of a restored ecosystem."

Campbell explained the species had been listed as endangered decades ago, and the species has not been seen in the state since 1994. Prior to settlement, fires were common across Tennessee, but became less common as the area was developed. Additionally, the shortleaf pine forests that existed on Tennessee's lands were cut to make way for hardwood forests. The red-cockaded woodpecker relied on both the mature shortleaf pine forests of pre-settlement and fire to thrive.

While the work to restore the birds' habitat is ongoing, Campbell explained that the reintroduction would not happen until 2028. The goal is to get about 1,200 acres of shortleaf pine for the species, which will need to be added by removing some existing hardwood forest — and the state aims to do that in the Gulf State Natural Area. State and federal collaboration is needed to help acquire both land and birds.

Campbell explained some of the unique challenges that will come with this restoration project.

"It sounds easy to go in and cut and remove, but you want to do it in a way that makes sense and is conducive and supports the restoration effort," Campbell said. "...It's going to be a challenge just to go and get the birds and put them in those cavities. Somebody's going to have to climb 30, 40 feet in the air, carve a hole and put in an insert before climbing back down."

With the future of federal funding for biodiversity efforts uncertain, Campbell said fundraising efforts have already started. The TWRA has a t-shirt and a hoodie for sale to help. If you're interested in the merchandise, or if you'd like to make another donation, you can follow this link.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/red-cockaded-woodpecker-restoration-tn/