Critical Piece of Pelican Island, Florida, Protected Through Public-Private Partnership

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For Immediate Release

Critical Piece of Pelican Island, Florida, Protected Through Public-Private Partnership

Commemorating Centennial of America's First National Wildlife Refuge,

Government, Business and Nonprofit Interests Unite to Preserve

Critical Wildlife Habitat

IDAHO, PELICAN ISLAND, Mar. 10 -/E-Wire/-- To commemorate the centennial of America's National Wildlife Refuge System, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anheuser-Busch and The Conservation Fund joined forces to protect one of the last critical pieces at Pelican Island NWR, the nation's first wildlife refuge. Through the combined efforts and resources of this public-private partnership, which will likely serve as a model for conservation in the 21st century, this important wildlife habitat will be permanently protected -- fulfilling the century-old vision of the Pelican Island Refuge.

"What better way to kick off the centennial celebration of the National Wildlife Refuge System than to permanently preserve one of the last critical pieces at Pelican Island America's first refuge," said Steve Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Thanks to the leadership, partnership and support of the local community, Congressman Dave Weldon, Anheuser-Busch and The Conservation Fund, this extraordinary place, its history and heritage, will provide habitat for fish and wildlife throughout the next century."

Joe Michael and his family are the owners of this tract of land. Forty years ago, Mr. Michael spearheaded the effort to protect Pelican Island from development. "As a key leader in the community, it is fitting that Mr. Michael should sell this land for preservation purposes," said Williams. "It's a nice conclusion of a chapter in the history of Pelican Island."

On behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Conservation Fund, with financial support from Anheuser-Busch, acquired the 12 acre property. U.S. Congressman Weldon as well as local partners Indian River County and the Pelican Island Preservation Society also significantly contributed to the successful effort. Now permanently protected from development, the Refuge encompasses more than 5,475 acres and provides habitat for hundreds of fish and wildlife species, including the endangered West Indian manatee and piping plover.

"Pelican Island signaled the beginning of a new approach to preserving our natural resources, one that balanced economic and environmental objectives," noted Lawrence A. Selzer, president of The Conservation Fund. "Today, in 2003, businesses and environmental organizations must build upon that foundation and work together to produce lasting, mutually beneficial results. We applaud Anheuser-Busch and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their commitment in helping to protect America's first Refuge."

The Pelican Island NWR project represents the national kick-off to a broader campaign by The Conservation Fund, Anheuser-Busch Companies and Natural Light. Today, the organizations announced the launch of the Centennial Conservation Challenge, an initiative to work with the public and private sectors to preserve a total of 1 million acres of refuge lands in celebration of the Refuge centennial. Anheuser-Busch, through its Natural Light brand, is providing some of the funding to launch this nationwide effort. The public can lend their support by participating in the "Keep It Natural" program. Details are available at: www.abenvironment.com.

"We're delighted to be able to broaden our long standing partnership with The Conservation Fund as it moves forward with this bold initiative to protect and preserve a total one million acres of wildlife habitat," said Virginia Busch, conservation ambassador, Anheuser-Busch Companies. "While our company is well known for our efforts to support outdoors and wildlife organizations, being part of this new program further underscores our resolve to preserving the great outdoors for future generations."

Under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt, Pelican Island NWR was established on March 14, 1903, to protect the last rookery for brown pelicans along Florida's East Coast. The Refuge System has grown to encompass 540 National Wildlife Refuges with 95 million acres that provide wildlife habitat as well as opportunities for fishing, hunting, trapping, birdwatching, and other outdoor recreation.

The Conservation Fund, rated the top environmental organization by the American Institute of Philanthropy, acts to protect the nation's legacy of land and water resources in partnership with other organizations, public agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. Seeking innovative conservation solutions for the 21st century, the Fund works to integrate economic and environmental goals. Since its founding in 1985, the Fund has helped to protect wildlife habitat, greenways, community "greenspace" and historic sites totaling more than 3.4 million acres throughout the nation, including 890,000 acres of critical habitat now included in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The Conservation Fund

Helen Patrikis or Lori Gosset: (212)371-2200; Christine Fanning: (703) 908-5800

http://www.conservationfund.org

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