Breadcrumbs

21 June 2022

Chattanooga Plant Recognized for Environmental Excellence

Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Conservation announced the winners of the 2022 Awards at their annual Conservation Conference held on June 14-15. The annual WHC Awards recognize programs and projects that demonstrate excellence in corporate conservation and recognize both national and international companies across a variety of industry sectors.  This year, WHC presented the Other Species Project Award to the Buzzi Unicem USA, Inc., Chattanooga, Tennessee Plant, for its Clayfield Lake Fish Management Project.  The Other Species Project Award is awarded to a project that is adaptively managed and demonstrates adequate monitoring of targeted species and at least one associated factor (e.g. food sources).

The Chattanooga Plant has worked for the past few years to improve the health and size of the fish population in the Clayfield Lake on plant owned property located on the Tennessee River by improving habitat and species diversity in the lake.  As a flooded former clay excavation site, the lake provided limited naturally occurring structure to support a healthy fish population.  The project focused on placement of felled trees, cut shrubbery/trees, and other aquatic habitat enhancement structures, as well as, stocking native fish species to improve food availability. During employee fishing days, the fish species length and weight, were recorded. This data was used to measure the relative health of the fish in the lake and to help determine the best courses of action to improve the fish habitat in the lake, and ultimately the health of the fish population.  The project achieved Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Conservation Certification in 2021. 

“We’re honored to recognize the outstanding achievements of WHC members,” said Margaret O’Gorman, President, WHC. “The companies, programs and employees around the world we salute with WHC Awards represent the importance of nature-based solutions on corporate lands. These solutions are vital to solve the biodiversity and climate crises and our members are at the forefront of this challenge. It is an honor to recognize many leaders in corporate conservation through the WHC Awards.”