LIBERTY, Texas, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representatives from Dell and Travelocity joined The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Environmental Synergy, Inc. (ESI) today to announce the restoration of 158 acres of forestland that will address climate change, restore sensitive wildlife habitat and enhance public recreation areas at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in East Texas. Private support for the initiative was made possible via a mix of customer and corporate donations from Dell, Travelocity, Universal Studios, NBC Universal and individual donors to The Conservation Fund's Go Zero(SM) program. Over their lifetime, the newly planted bald cypress, oak and pecan trees will trap more than 63,000 tons of carbon dioxide -- a potent greenhouse gas.
"The Fish and Wildlife Service and the American public are the true beneficiaries of this partnership," said Benjamin Tuggle, Southwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Through the efforts of Dell, Travelocity, Universal, The Conservation Fund, and all others involved in Go Zero, lands held for the American public will be improved and the global environment for both people and wildlife will benefit."
Like much of East Texas, huge swaths of forestland surrounding (and some within) the boundary of Trinity River NWR refuge are for sale. Once the region's largest economic driver, the forest industry here has put millions of acres on the market -- threatening sensitive natural resources and a once- stable East Texas economy. To help protect and restore these lands, the Fund has engaged leaders in the public and private sectors to calculate and then offset carbon dioxide emissions by planting trees via its Go Zero(SM) program.
"We commend The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Synergy, Inc. for enabling our customers to address climate change and habitat loss head on," said Tod Arbogast, director of Sustainable Business at Dell. "From energy efficiency, to carbon sequestration to reuse and recycling, we are partnering with customers and members of the ReGeneration-people of all ages who care about the environment-to become the greenest' technology company on the planet."
"Our involvement in Go Zero helps us serve an increasing number of our customers who want a way to offset their carbon, while promoting planting that helps strengthen places for recreation and wildlife," said Dan Toporek, vice president of corporate communications at Travelocity. "This program is largely driven by employees who support the program on their own time and as a Texas-based company, we're thrilled to do our part in protecting and restoring the Trinity River NWR."
"The World Bank estimates that 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions is caused by deforestation," added The Conservation Fund's Texas director, Andy Jones. "Thanks to the extraordinary leadership of Dell, Travelocity, NBC Universal and Universal Studios, the expertise of ESI and the commitment of the USFWS we are raising much needed capital to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time-climate change and habitat loss-by restoring critical forestlands."
The land was planted by ESI and will be managed by the USFWS. ESI will monitor the newly restored forest for carbon accrual using on-site measurements over time. The project will then be certified by Environmental Resources Trust. Since 2000, The Conservation Fund has restored nearly 20,000 acres with 6 million trees that are expected to capture more than 8 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere over the next century.
"We view this project as a rewarding, win-win partnership with benefits for business, government, the public, the local ecosystem and the global climate," said Carol Jordan, president of ESI.
Located just 45 miles east of Houston, the 22,500 acre Trinity River NWR safeguards a remnant of the bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem that once dominated the eastern Texas landscape. The slow-flowing rivers and swamp-like wetlands are used during migration or nesting by neotropical migratory birds, and are home to freshwater turtles, alligators, bald eagle and more than 640 plant species.
The Fund and its partners have protected more than 144,000 acres in Texas including 4,700 acres at Trinity River NWR. Most recently, the partners launched the Pineywoods Experience, a $35 million initiative that blends land protection and ecotourism to position East Texas as a destination for tourists, much like the Appalachians or the Adirondacks.
About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund is the nation's foremost environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting America's land and water legacy for current and future generations. 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 its partners safeguard wildlife habitat, working landscapes, community "greenspace," and historic sites totaling nearly 6 million acres. With 1% fund raising costs and 97% program allocation, The Conservation Fund is recognized as the nation's top rated environmental nonprofit by both the American Institute of Philanthropy and Charity Navigator. http://www.conservationfund.org/
About Dell
Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell is a leading global systems and services company and No. 34 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit http://www.dell.com/, or to communicate directly with Dell via a variety of online channels, go to http://www.dell.com/conversations. To get Dell news direct, visit http://www.dell.com/RSS.
About the Fish and Wildlife Service
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/.
About Travelocity
Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler's champion -- before, during and after the trip -- and provides the most comprehensive and pro- active guarantee in the industry -- see http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee for details. This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the sixth largest travel agency -- booking $10.1 billion in travel worldwide in 2006. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(R) for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel commerce.
