The Southeastern Plant Conservation Alliance (SE PCA) and the Development of the Nation’s 1st Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need (RSGCN) for Plants

The Southeastern Plants Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need (RSGCN) is the first of its kind in the U.S. and will inform State Wildlife Action Plan revision and creation by presenting species with regional responsibility and opportunity for collaboration. This will set actionable priorities for the conservation of rare plants across state boundaries and integrate these activities with broader efforts to conserve wildlife at the regional and national levels. The Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG) is coordinating the creation of this list, on behalf of the Southeastern Plant Conservation Alliance (SE PCA), by working with experts across the region. Project partners include NatureServe and the Natural Heritage Network, the Southeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) Wildlife Diversity Committee, Terwilliger Consulting, Inc., and Southeast Flora.

The SE PCA was formalized in 2020 and built upon years of strategizing and networking. Our goal is to bridge gaps between local and national efforts to prevent and restore the loss of plant diversity in the Southeast. This is achieved by building capacity, facilitating novel partnerships, and leveraging shared resources to stimulate collective success in the region. The SE PCA includes 120+ individual members representing government agencies, land managers, botanical gardens, university programs, plus other experts and professionals; 20 + leaders make up our steering committee and there are 50+ task team members; our network area includes 15 states and territories. The SE PCA is facilitated by members of the Conservation & Research team at ABG.