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General Motors Donates to The Nature Conservancy

GM and the GM Foundation donate 2005 Saturn VUE and $75,000 to Tennessee Conservation Group

Columbia, TN—9 Novemeber 2004— General Motors today donated $75,000 and a 2005 Saturn VUE to The Nature Conservancy’s Duck River Project, bringing GM’s total number of vehicles donated to the organization nationwide to 173.

"On behalf of General Motors and the GM Foundation, it’s an honor to support an organization with such dedication to improving life and the environment in Tennessee," said GM-Spring Hill Manufacturing Site Manager Harvey Thomas. UAW Local 1853 Chairman Mike Herron added, "We’re proud to be able to continue our partnership with The Nature Conservancy as they work to improve the environment in our communities. Spring Hill’s team members are committed to preserving our environment and support the efforts to preserve the Duck River for generations to come."

The Duck River Project has been working in the watershed for the last four years. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Duck River is one of three hot spots for fish and mussel diversity in the world. With 151 species of fish, and 54 mussel species, the Duck River stands out as a critical watershed for conserving freshwater aquatic biodiversity. At present, The Nature Conservancy is the only non-governmental entity with a staff committed to working in the upper watershed in Columbia to preserve the river’s ecological integrity. The Duck is also significant because it is the sole water supply source for 200,000 people in Middle Tennessee.

The vehicle and funds will be used for The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee's work in support of the Duck River Watershed Project in Middle Tennessee, as well as the development of trails, parking, signage and kiosks among the 800 acres of Cheek’s Bend in the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area.

"Up until now the Duck River office has only had a pick-up truck at their disposal to transport TNC staff. Now with the addition of this Saturn VUE, we’ll be able to travel and tour the watershed with key stakeholders in the project, as well canoes," said State Director Scott Davis, who is based in Nashville.

According to Davis, GM's donation of vehicles has been instrumental in the accomplishment of The Nature Conservancy's mission and goals.

"We typically work in remote wilderness locations, requiring vehicles that can take the punishment of rough terrain and go the distance," Davis said. "GM's donated vehicles make an important difference to The Nature Conservancy in achieving conservation success."

GM and The Nature Conservancy have an on-going relationship that is unprecedented in size and scope. In 1994, GM made a 5-year commitment to provide $5 million in cash and vehicles. Since then, GM has donated more than $9 million in cash and now 173 trucks to aid the work of The Nature Conservancy across the U.S. and many other countries of the world. GM also provided $10 million to The Nature Conservancy to restore and protect about 30,000 acres of endangered land in the Atlantic Rainforest Restoration Project in Brazil. GM's eleven-year commitment to The Nature Conservancy now reaches over $23 million.

"The Nature Conservancy plays a critical role in the health and welfare of wilderness areas and we are pleased to help support those efforts," said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment and Energy. "We’re encouraged by their success and proud that visitors can learn from and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that The Nature Conservancy helps preserve."

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is an international, non-profit organization that preserves plants, animals and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. More information about The Nature Conservancy is available online at http://nature.org.