The Oxbow Group, LLC, owned by Eddie Briggs, contains approximately 207 acres. It is located within the Big Black River Drainage Basin and bordered to the north by Bear Creek, a principal tributary of the Big Black River. Bear Creek provides a substantial portion of the stormwater drainage from the central and northern parts of the country.
The Oxbow Group property has a diverse ecological complex. There is bottomland hardwood forest, loblolly pine, open field/wildlife food plots, a bottomland hardwood reforestation/restoration area, and a cemetery with grave markers from the 1800s.
The mixed bottomland hardwood forest is adjacent to and includes the riparian zones along Bear Creek and its tributaries. The open field/wildlife food plot areas are next to the mixed bottomland hardwoods and loblolly forests so that they enhance the management flexibility and diversity of the property.
The bottomland hardwood reforestation/restoration area is an example of the rich habitat diversity within the easement area. This area which was planted in row crops and small grains, was left fallow and allowed to propagate naturally with native species, primarily loblolly pine and various oaks.
The property has diverse plant and animal life. There are good populations of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on the property. Both resident wildlife and migratory waterfowl are available to hunt.
The streams that intersect the Oxbow Group property drain into the Big Black River. This river supports two state-listed mussel species, pyramid pigtoe, and rabbitfoot.
Success Stories
Read through the stories of 12 landowners and the success that the conservation easements had.