The Nature Conservancy Recognizes International Paper for Wetlands Restoration

ARCHIVED 2002–2016: Originally distributed via the eWire press wire service. Preserved as historical record.

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE |

Conservation & Wildlife

Corporate Responsibility

Science & Technology

Syndication Partners

**************************************************************************

E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE

**************************************************************************

TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

The Nature Conservancy Recognizes International Paper for Wetlands Restoration

LOUISIANA, SPRINGHILL, Mar. 2 -/E-Wire/-- The Louisiana chapter of The Nature Conservancy has presented International Paper with its Corporate Council for Conservation Leadership Award. The award recognizes IP's Springhill Habitat Area Restoration Demonstration Project (SHARD), through which the company transformed the wastewater site at its former Springhill, La., Paper Mill into wetlands. The area supports healthy populations of Louisiana wildlife, including bald eagles, ducks and other migratory waterfowl and fish, including more than 8,000 striped bass donated to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for stocking public lakes. SHARD is a premier site in Louisiana to watch these birds and migratory waterfowl.

"International Paper's SHARD project is unique because it is designed to actually improve existing wildlife habitats, not just to close a manufacturing site and its associated wastewater operation," said Robin Richerson, IP's regional manager of Mid-South Operations for Forest Resources. "Construction of wetlands to improve water quality, produce fish through aquaculture units and improve waterfowl habitats are over and above any requirements of law and were the key objectives of the project from its beginning."

Working with The Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute, other conservation groups and the Louisiana Departments of Wildlife and Fisheries, Health and Hospitals, and Environmental Quality, International Paper used an innovative approach to improve water resources and aquatic habitat, as well as develop recreational and educational opportunities for the community. Plans are currently underway to develop education programs, which will allow teachers to use the site as an outdoor classroom.

International Paper was the inaugural winner of the Corporate Conservation Leadership Award in 1995. The company was recognized for its efforts in creating the Bluebonnet Swamp, a pristine ecosystem in a 65-acre old-growth cypress and tupelo swamp amid the residential and small business areas of Baton Rouge. International Paper contributed wood products to construct a boardwalk through the swamp making it accessible to the public year round.

The Louisiana chapter of The Nature Conservancy was founded in 1951 and relies on sound science and partnerships with landowners, government and corporations to achieve community-based conservation success. The Corporate Council, which sponsored the Corporate Conservation Leadership Award, was developed to provide leadership in a coalition that seeks positive results through cooperative efforts.

International Paper (http://www.internationalpaper.com) is the world's largest paper and forest products company. Businesses include paper, packaging and forest products. As one of the largest private forest landowners in the world, the company manages its forests under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI(SM)) program, a system that ensures the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air and water quality. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has operations in nearly 50 countries, employs more than 117,000 people and exports its products to more than 130 nations.

Gary O''Rielly, Regional Public Affairs Manager, [REDACTED-PHONE],

or Jenifer Christman, Communications Manager, [REDACTED-PHONE], both of

http://www.internationalpaper.com

**************************************************************************

To Transmit Your News Over E-Wire, visit http://www.ewire.com or

call 1-[REDACTED-PHONE]. E-Wire Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide

**************************************************************************