Resources for Landowners
Guides, tools, and partner links for North Alabama land conservation
Downloadable Documents
Cumberland Plateau Conservation Practices Guide v0.4
PDFThe comprehensive conservation reference for landowners and natural resource managers in North Alabama. Covers prescribed burning, timber stand improvement, invasive species control, canebrake restoration, native grassland establishment, riparian management, glade conservation, and more. Developed with scientific review from Alabama A&M University.
Coming soon — currently in final review
Landowner's Guide to the Improving Rangelands Project
PDFA plain-language overview of the NFWF Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund program — what it means for landowners, how to participate, and what conservation work looks like in practice.
Coming soon
Conservation Practices Guide for North Alabama Landowners
PDFA focused guide to the conservation practices available to North Alabama landowners through NRCS programs, the NFWF grant, and Rocky Ridge Land Management.
Coming soon
External Resources
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
FunderNFWF funds the Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund that makes this program possible. Their website includes information on other conservation funding opportunities.
Visit website →USDA NRCS — Alabama
Federal AgencyThe Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners for conservation practices including prescribed burning, riparian buffers, and grazing management.
Visit website →Alabama State Wildlife Action Plan (AL SWAP)
State ResourceThe State Wildlife Action Plan identifies Alabama's species of greatest conservation need and the habitats most critical to their survival. An essential reference for conservation planning in the region.
Visit website →Alabama A&M University — Natural Resources
Academic PartnerThe Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at AAMU provides the scientific leadership for the Rocky Ridge program and conducts ongoing research relevant to Cumberland Plateau conservation.
Visit website →Native Habitat Project
Field PartnerKyle Lybarger's Native Habitat Project is our prime contractor for field implementation of native grassland conservation and restoration. Contact Rocky Ridge for referrals.
Visit website →Land Trust of North Alabama
Conservation PartnerLTNA holds conservation easements on properties across North Alabama including several participating in the Rocky Ridge program. Their website has information about conservation easements for landowners.
Visit website →Conservation Guide
Browse our online conservation practices guide — 10 core practices with ecological rationale, methods, timing, and expected outcomes.
Explore PracticesHave Questions?
Our team can answer questions about conservation practices, program eligibility, and what's right for your specific property.
Contact UsNRCS Cost-Share Programs
Many of the conservation practices in this program may qualify for NRCS cost-share assistance through programs like EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) and CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program). Contact your local NRCS office or reach out to us for guidance on available programs.