Watching, Learning, Protecting

The destruction of 95% of longleaf pine forests through logging and land clearing, coupled with lack of fire maintenance drove Red-cockaded woodpeckers onto the endangered species list in the 1970’s. Matt Lerow, SC DNR will review the historic decline of RCW, its current conservation status in the state, and the management strategies supporting recovery — including prescribed fire, artificial cavity installation, population monitoring, and partnerships with private landowners through South Carolina’s Safe Harbor Program

Matt Lerow is the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Project Leader with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. He coordinates recovery efforts for the species across South Carolina. Prior to joining SCDNR, Matt worked as a Red-cockaded Woodpecker Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.