Bridgestone/Firestone Presents State With Environmental Treasure.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(AutomotiveWire)--Sept. 3, 1998-- Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS) has donated approximately 4,000 acres of property in White and Cumberland counties to the state of Tennessee to create an environmentally protected conservation area.

In a press conference today at the State Capitol, BFS Chairman and CEO Masatoshi Ono presented Gov. Don Sundquist the deed for the land, valued at $4 million.

Bridgestone/Firestone negotiated an agreement, including a conservation easement that restricts development on the property, with the state and The Conservation Fund, a nationally recognized conservation organization, that will ensure that the natural beauty and environmental integrity of the property will be preserved.

"Our top priority has always been to protect this phenomenal piece of wilderness," Ono said. "We took this property off the market several years ago because we did not feel a private buyer could ensure that the natural beauty would be preserved. The partnership we now have with the state of Tennessee and The Conservation Fund ensures that this plot, as well as the remaining property owned by the company, will be managed in an environmentally sound manner."

"Bridgestone/Firestone has provided a tremendous gift to the people of Tennessee that will benefit generations to come," Sundquist said. "Since moving their headquarters to Nashville, Bridgestone/Firestone has been a major contributor to this state's economic well-being. Today, they are making a major contribution to the state's environmental stability as well, both with this gift of land, and with their commitment to develop a plan to preserve the remaining property."

The governor announced today that the 4,000 acres donated by Bridgestone/Firestone would be known as the Bridgestone/Firestone Conservation Area.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will manage the donated property. Bridgestone/Firestone will retain additional property in the Chestnut Mountain and Scott's Gulf areas, but will work with the state of Tennessee and The Conservation Fund to develop a long-term environmental management plan. The Conservation Fund has protected over 1.5 million acres of land throughout the country, including over 16,000 acres of land in Tennessee.

"Thanks to its generous gift, Bridgestone/Firestone has shown its commitment to protecting this spectacular property in Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau," John Turner, Conservation Fund president and CEO, said. "In the month's ahead, the Fund will be working closely with Bridgestone/Firestone and the state to develop a strategy for the adjoining land that will retain its wilderness character and create a legacy for generations to come."

The 4,000 acres is located in an area where a wide variety of wildlife, including a number of rare and endangered species, is known to exist. Rare and endangered species commonly found in the area include the peregrine falcon, red-headed woodpecker, red-shouldered hawk, gray bat, barking tree frog, and jewel darter. Endangered wildflowers that have been found on the property include yellow lady's slipper orchids and purple, white and pink trillium. The property is also a known habitat to wild turkey, quail, deer, timber rattlesnake, beaver, and large and small mouthed bass.

The Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. (acquired by Bridgestone in 1988) purchased the property between 1970-72 for $1.2 million. Since then, Firestone, and later, Bridgestone/Firestone has maintained the combination of meadows, hardwood forests, pasture land, white water, scenic bluffs, unexplored caves and mountains as private, protected land.

Bridgestone/Firestone is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corp., the world's largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone/Firestone manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and house and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial products.

    CONTACT:  Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., Nashville
               Jill Miller, 615/872-1463
               or
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               http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com