Contact: John Girault
843-224-1849 | John@mountpleasantopenspace.org

Mount Pleasant Open Space Foundation Hosts Special Celebration

MT. PLEASANT, SC --The Mount Pleasant Open Space Foundation hosted a public celebration at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park on Wednesday, September 23^rd at 5:30pm to give special thanks to the Town of Mount Pleasant, to celebrate land preservation and to unveil their fresh new name and look.  The non-profit land trust has formally changed its name to the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy.

The celebration included a heart felt thank you from the organizations Board Chair, Susan Duffie.  Mrs. Duffie, a founding Board member herself, described the evolution of the organization and acknowledged the critically important Open Space Ad Hoc committee that researched the need for land preservation in Mount Pleasant back in 2000.  She also shared the organizations sincere appreciation to Town of Mount Pleasant for making the decision to invest the time, talent and funding to create the organization.

Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy (MPLC) Executive Director, John Girault, presented some exciting details about the state of the organization.  “We currently have a total of four conservation easement projects that are actively being processed with the anticipation that at least one of them will be finalized and signed before the end of this year” Girault stated.  “Community support and awareness is building and today’s ceremony marks the formal launch of the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy’s dedication to land preservation in East Cooper.

Tim Keane, the Chair of the MPLC Public Relations Committee, officially introduced and unveiled the organization’s new name and logo.  Mr. Keane explained that the logo comes from the classic 20^th century craftsman aesthetic, the idea of being hand built or crafted to last over time.  Some of the inspiration came from a book called Parks and Recreation Structures from 1938.  The second factor was to come up with a logo that would place it in Mount Pleasant.  Playing off of the oak leaf that is so prevalent in the area and combining it with the craftsman look, the image was created.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy’s First Annual Golden Oak Leaf Award.  The award will be given annually to an individual or group that has shown leadership and dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural and civic qualities of East Cooper.  The recipient for this inaugural dedication was the Town of Mount Pleasant.  John Girault presented the award to Mayor Kruger Smith and Town Administrator Mac Burdette.  John explained that the MPLC Board of Directors could not think of a more fitting entity to be the first to receive this special recognition.  The Town of Mount Pleasant passed a Resolution authorizing and acknowledging the independence of the Mount Pleasant Open Space Foundation during their July 14^th Town Council meeting.

The Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy is a non profit land trust that was created to protect land and natural resources that contribute to the unique Mount Pleasant and East Cooper quality of life.  This includes wetlands, upland property, scenic vistas and public spaces such as parks.  Find out more by visiting www.mountpland.org.

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Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan
The Conservation Fund
703.908.5809
vvaughan@conservationfund.org

NASCAR Favorites Ryan Newman and Bobby Allison Join The Conservation Fund to Announce Racing For Wildlife Project in Talladega

Project protects wildlife habitat, provides recreational opportunities for race fans April 25, 2008

Talladega, AL - Today, The Conservation Fund joined with Ryan Newman, driver of Penske Racing's #12 Alltel Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and NASCAR legend Bobby Allison to announce the second Racing for Wildlife project: the protection of more than 1,100 acres in the Talladega National Forest.

Racing for Wildlife unites the sports community with passionate land and water conservationists across the country. The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation launched the program last year to begin building an American land legacy for generations of sports enthusiasts who share Newman's love of the outdoors. Michigan International Speedway provided inaugural support for Racing for Wildlife's first project at Mill Lake in southern Michigan.

"I've met a lot of NASCAR fans who are avid fisherman like me," said Newman. "And they know how important it is to protect the beautiful land and water that we enjoy today so our grandchildren can enjoy it in the future."

Racing for Wildlife's new project will protect prime land for hiking, camping and recreation, just a short drive from Talladega Superspeedway, in the Talladega National Forest. The effort will complete the protection of the eight-mile crest of Rebecca Mountain, a major ridge in the Appalachian Mountains, and allow the U.S. Forest Service to complete a portion of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects Rebecca Mountain to the popular Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia.

The Conservation Fund is working with the U.S. Forest Service to raise the funds needed to acquire the property. In a critical step forward, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Alabama's congressional delegation have already secured $738,000 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. From private donors, The Conservation Fund now seeks to raise an additional $550,000.

"Alabama's national forests offer beautiful views and are home to diverse species of wildlife that are enjoyed year round by visitors from Alabama and across the country," said U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL). "I was proud to play a role in the continued protection and preservation of our wildlife and natural resources." Sen. Shelby serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which provides funds for the U.S. Forest Service.

"From the foothills of the Appalachians in North Alabama to the beaches of the Gulf Coast, Alabama is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that continue to be an important part of our southern culture," said U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. "It's hard to imagine an Alabama without thick woods for fathers and sons to camp, freshwater streams for families to fish or wild lands for Saturday afternoon hikes together."

Sen. Sessions also added, "We've done much to preserve Alabama's resources, conserving sensitive acres in places like Mt. Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, Little River Canyon, and the Cahaba River. Still, there is more to be done, and I applaud the Conservation Fund, the Ryan Newman Foundation and the Racing for Wildlife program for moving ahead with efforts to conserve over 1,000 acres of Rebecca Mountain near the Talladega National Forest, including an important stretch of land on the Pinhoti Trail. Future generations of Alabamians will undoubtedly benefit from these important conservation efforts."

"Alabama's national forests are a treasure for all our citizens, and I am proud to support efforts that help protect and preserve our natural resources for generations to come," said U.S. Rep Mike Rogers (R-AL), whose district includes Talladega.

The project has received the support of NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, a long-time resident of Alabama and four-time winner at Talladega Superspeedway. "I applaud Ryan's commitment to the outdoors and to protecting places for the public to use and enjoy," said Allison. "I'm thrilled that he has chosen Talladega as the site for the second Racing for Wildlife project and I hope that race fans will get involved in protecting this property on Rebecca Mountain."

"I'm honored to work once again with Ryan Newman and also with legendary driver Bobby Allison, who is no stranger to Talladega," said Rex Boner, vice president and southeast representative for The Conservation Fund. "We are grateful for their dedication to providing places where the youth of today and tomorrow can connect with nature. Stay tuned for more Racing for Wildlife projects coming soon to a track near you."

Over time, Racing for Wildlife will pursue new conservation projects that offer recreational opportunities near urban areas, so families can easily enjoy the outdoors in protected places. In selecting conservation projects, Racing for Wildlife will work with local land conservation groups and public agencies to find opportunities that both fulfill state-recognized conservation priorities and invite a new generation to experience the outdoors. Racing for Wildlife's first project, still ongoing, is the restoration of the Mill Lake Youth Camp, a historic camp near the Michigan International Speedway that will reopen to families, focusing on youth activities, family events and individual use.

To learn more about Racing for Wildlife or to make a donation, visit www.racingforwildlife.org.

About the Ryan Newman Foundation

The Ryan Newman Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonrofit organization, which was established in January 2005 by NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife, Krissie. The mission of the foundation is to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers. The Ryan Newman Foundation is proud to be supported by the NASCAR Foundation.

About The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America's land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We're a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient.

http://www.conservationfund.org

April 28, 2009 

Contact: Chris Soto
csoto@lta.org

Association Recognized for Innovation in Media and Publishing

Presented with two 2009 EXCEL Awards

Washington, DC—The Land Trust Alliance is being honored by the Society of National Association Publications (SNAP) at its 29th Annual EXCEL Awards, which recognize the best and the brightest in association media and publishing.

As one of 181 winners selected from nearly 1,000 entries, the Alliance is being presented a Gold Award in the Magazines: Most Improved category and a Gold Award in the Magazines: Redesign category (submitted by Bates Creative Group) for taking bold chances and delivering excellence in the association industry.

“Congratulations to the Land Trust Alliance, one of the recipients of our EXCEL Awards,” said Amy Lestition, CAE, SNAP’s executive director, “These publications demonstrate the importance of conveying content in a variety of formats to our constituents. Bravo to the publication and media association professionals for their mastery of the field.”

“We went through a rigorous redesign process and this is a wonderful affirmation of our success,” said Chris Soto, editor of Saving Land, the winning magazine of the Alliance.

The Land Trust Alliance will be honored and celebrated at the 29th EXCEL Awards Gala on June 4, 2009. Award-winning entries are displayed at the EXCEL Awards Gala and are featured in the July/ August issue of Association Publishing. The Alliance may also be a winner of the distinguished EXTRA! Awards—presented to associations pushing the edge of the envelope further to innovate in an ever-changing publishing environment—which will be announced at the EXCEL Awards Gala in June. For more information on the Association Media and Publishing Conference and the EXCEL Awards Gala, visit www.snaponline.org.

For more information about the Land Trust Alliance, please visit www.landtrustalliance.org.

About the Land Trust Alliance: The Land Trust Alliance is a national conservation group that works on behalf of America’s 1,700 land trusts to save the places people love by strengthening conservation throughout America. The Alliance works to increase the pace and quality of conservation by advocating favorable tax policies, training land trusts in best practices and working to ensure the permanence of conservation in the face of continuing threats.

About SNAP: SNAP is the one non-profit, professional society serving the needs of association publishers and communications professionals. Areas of expertise include: fostering effective relationships among publishers, communications professionals, and industry providers; developing and maintaining high editorial and advertising standards through our Excel Awards and Publications Review Program; providing members with the latest industry movements through bi-annual meetings, Lunch & Learn Seminars, the SNAP listserve, and Association Publishing, our bimonthly magazine; and, connecting professionals with career opportunities in association publishing through our Career Center.

Contact: Valerie True
Coalition Coordinator
828.253.0095 x213 | coordinator@blueridgeforever.info

Blue Ridge Forever Announces Interactive Conservation Vision Map

ASHEVILLE, NC -- Blue Ridge Forever recently announced that their interactive Conservation Vision map is live on their website.

With just a click of your mouse you can learn about some of the amazing animals prioritized in the North Carolina State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), the impact that protected lands have on water quality, and the cultural heritage that is dependent on our mountain landscape. You can also learn about what your local land trusts have protected and hope to protect during our five-year campaign to save 50,000 acres by 2010.

See it for yourself at www.blueridgeforever.info/conservation_vision.html

Note: The map may take a minute to load.

The interactive map was made possible by a generous grant from The Conservation Fund with support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

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