Power plant earns WHC Conservation Certification

SHREVEPORT, La., — Flint Creek Power Plant has been awarded Conservation Certification by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) in recognition of the plant’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

American Electric Power received the certification for its Southwestern Electric Power Co. power plant at Gentry. The designation recognizes the plant’s habitat enhancement programs, including tallgrass prairie restoration, nesting boxes and other bird habitat improvement, pollinator garden landscapes, restoration of native plant species, and environmental awareness education.

“Flint Creek Power Plant is recognized as meeting the strict requirements of WHC Conservation Certification,” said Margaret O’Gorman, WHC president. “Companies achieving WHC Conservation Certification, like AEP

SWEPCO, are environmental leaders, voluntarily managing their lands to support sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them.”

Flint Creek was designated as Certified Silver, signifying leadership among more than 600 WHC Conservation Certification programs. Programs are given a Certified, Silver Certified or Gold Certified designation.

Flint Creek has held certification under the WHC’s Corporate Lands for Learning and Wildlife at Work programs since 2004 and 2002, respectively, and since 2016 when the two programs were combined into the Conservation Certification.

“This certification is indicative of the decades of dedication and commitment to environmental stewardship by the Flint Creek team,” said Malcolm Smoak, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer.

Flint Creek Plant Manager Sara Vestfals said, “We take great pride in producing reliable power for our customers and caring for the environment where we work. I appreciate this recognition for our company and employees, as well as the continuing stewardship of Eagle Watch Nature Trail by retired plant chemist Terry Stanfill.”

Approximately 700 acres of the power plant’s 1,600 acres are designated as wildlife habitat. The site for many activities is Flint Creek’s 65-acre Eagle Watch Nature Trail, which includes a half-mile walking trail and two wildlife viewing pavilions. Built in 1999 on SWEPCO Lake, the power plant’s cooling reservoir, Eagle Watch is located on Arkansas Highway 12, one mile east of Gentry. It is open to the public at no charge yearround.

Although wintering bald eagles are the main attraction at Eagle Watch, more than 180 bird species have been identified. Mammals in the area include foxes, deer and beaver. Reptiles and amphibians include various species of lizards, turtles, snakes, toads and frogs. The pavilions include plant and animal identification displays.

Flint Creek Power Plant

Flint Creek is a 516-megawatt coal-fueled power plant serving coowners AEP SWEPCO and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC). SWEPCO operates the plant.

About Wildlife Habitat Council

Wildlife Habitat Council-assisted wildlife habitat and conservation education programs are found in 48 states and 25 countries. www.wildlifehc.org.