American Forest Foundation Receives USD 150 Million Endowment to Promote Sustainable Forestry

Washington, DC, USA, 18 October 2006 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The American Forest Foundation (AFF) has been designated as the recipient of a USD 150 million endowment grant to promote sustainable forestry and to assist timber-reliant communities.

The grant was made under the terms of the recently signed Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between the United States and Canada and announced by U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab. Other recipients include Habitat for Humanity [USD 100 million to support low-income housing] and a new endowment [USD 200 million] to address goals similar to AFF's.

The Foundation's board of trustees met yesterday to set in motion a process to implement the terms of the grant.

"Naturally, we're excited by this historic opportunity," said Laurence Wiseman, AFF president and CEO. "But our trustees and staff are committed to operating as we always have -- thoughtfully, deliberately, and in consultation with the many partners who have made our programs worthy of this recognition."

During the coming months, AFF's operating and advisory committees will begin to explore ways in which its forestry and education programs can be strengthened and expanded. "We'll also solicit views from other organizations with missions similar to our own," said Wiseman. "We plan to take a broad, but disciplined approach to identifying what program opportunities we might pursue."

The American Forest Foundation is a nonprofit education and conservation organization working for healthy forests, quality environmental education, and informed decision-making about our communities and our world. Its vision is to be recognized for its commitment to sustainable forestry, quality environmental education, and wildlife habitat and watershed protection. AFF sponsors three programs: the American Tree Farm System(R), Forests for Watersheds & Wildlife(TM), and Project Learning Tree(R).

Source: American Forest Foundation