We are excited to announce that Forest Investment Associates (FIA) has been recognized with the Palustris Corporate Achievement Award. The award was presented at the 15th Biennial Longleaf Conference in Sandestin, Florida on October 9, 2024, recognizing the firm’s longstanding efforts in restoring and conserving the longleaf pine ecosystem. The award is named after the iconic longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), which is a long-lived species that anchors the longleaf forest ecosystem that is threatened across its original range.  

Every two years, the Biennial Longleaf Conference brings together a diverse group of individuals, including private landowners, land managers, wildlife biologists, conservation groups, consultants, university researchers, and forestry professionals. Agency and outreach personnel also attend to participate in the largest event focused on longleaf pine conservation in the U.S. The conference is convened by The Longleaf Alliance (TLA), which bestowed the Palustris Corporate Achievement Award to FIA this year. 

Why Longleaf Matters 

The longleaf pine ecosystem in not only an integral part of the southeastern U.S. landscape but also a habitat for a broad range of plant and animal species. Historically, covering more than 90 million acres of the Southeast, the longleaf ecosystem has been reduced to only a small fraction. The Longleaf Alliance operates throughout the southeastern United States from Virginia to Texas helping landowners restore their land to functioning longleaf forests while generating income from the very same forest that provides homes for some of the South’s most threatened plant and animal species.

FIA seeks to contribute to restoring and conserving this ecosystem, balancing sustainable forest management with a focus on environmental conservation. FIA’s commitment includes ensuring that these forests remain productive and resilient for the future. 

As Marc A. Walley, Senior Managing Director of FIA and former member of TLA Board of Directors, pointed out, “We are honored to receive the Palustris Corporate Achievement Award. The longleaf pine is an iconic species and a cornerstone of the rich and diverse southern forest ecosystem. FIA takes pride in our longstanding partnership with The Longleaf Alliance, supporting efforts to sustain this valuable ecosystem. We look forward to continuing our commitment to this important work in the future.” 

A Commitment to Conservation

FIA’s approach to sustainable forestry relies on strong partnership with environmental organizations and stakeholders. We extend our gratitude to The Longleaf Alliance for this recognition and for their continued efforts to promote the restoration and conservation of the longleaf pine ecosystem across the Southeast.