Waste Management American Landfill received international recognition for its contributions to wildlife habitat conservation at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC) 16th Annual Symposium in Baltimore, Maryland in November 2004. Waste Management American Landfill demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing native biodiversity by achieving habitat certification.
“Sixteen years ago, WHC was formed as a cooperative effort between corporations, communities and conservation organizations. Since then our shared mission has evolved and provided many advances in creating sustainable wildlife habitat. We congratulate Waste Management American Landfill on their efforts to help advance our initiatives to restore and enhance our natural resources. It is with this support that we can create a more ecologically sound and mutually beneficial environment for all,” said Bill Howard, WHC President.
Waste Management American Landfill consists of approximately 1,072 acres of land, of which 236 acres are currently permitted for waste disposal. The conservation easements preserve 145 acres of wetlands. American Landfill is taking a proactive approach with its environmental stewardship efforts and educational programs. Also, new wetlands will be constructed prior to any impact that will occur to existing wetlands.
The ultimate goal for wildlife team members at American Landfill includes the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. Team members have determined that there is a need for better protection and to provide more food and cover for wildlife. For the last two years, Brownie Troops and school classes helped to plant native trees to provide a shelterbelt for nesting and hibernating wildlife. In order to provide food and cover for wildlife, team members will be planting native bushes and shrubs.
American Landfill team members will continue to keep community members involved in their habitat enhancement projects. They have already had several classes of students and community leaders participate in their Annual Earth Day Tree Planting Event. Future plans include partnering with local community groups to build and install bird boxes. In addition, team members look to expand their educational tour program on wildlife habitats. In doing so, American Landfill will further educate schools and the community on how to provide habitats for local wildlife.
American Landfill was one of 35 new sites recognized at the 2004 Symposium for creating a habitat program that earned international certification. Since 1990, WHC has certified 353 programs worldwide. The certification program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.
The Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. More than 2 million acres in 48 states, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects. For more information about the Wildlife Habitat Council, go to www.wildlifehc.org.
