FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June16, 2003	Contact:Brigitte Johnson, Jenifer Christman 202.463-5163/901.419.4010

Jackson, Miss., June 5, 2003 — More than 60 forest landowners who own over 40,000 acres, habitat conservationists, and forestry resource professionals gathered for a Forested Flyways^® educational field day on June 7th. Field day attendees participated in learning sessions and demonstrations on how to improve wildlife habitat and water quality on their lands.

Family-owned forests, which account for nearly 69 percent of Mississippi's forests, play an important role in the states' environmental and economic health. Forested Flyways is a conservation partnership between the American Forest Foundation's American Tree Farm System,^® International Paper and Ducks Unlimited. The partnership was founded in 1999.

The educational field day took place at the Reed Tree Farm, a 615-acre property just north of Greenwood, Mississippi. The wildlife habitat restoration work highlighted the reforestation of bottomland hardwoods on marginal agricultural lands and the enhancement of wetlands using water control structures. Waterfowl, including mallards and ducks, and Neotropical migratory birds will benefit from the wildlife habitat improvements on the Reed Tree Farm.

"I really love the outdoors and wanted to give something back to the land." said Dr. Reed "Working with these groups, we've succeeded in improving the hunting and fishing while also planting trees that will help my kids sustainably manage the Tree Farm. By sharing what we've done, I hope other landowners will try and do the same on their land."

Forested Flyways links family forest owners with existing technical and financial assistance programs and conservation groups to improve and restore wildlife habitat on their forestlands. The program helps family tree farmers enhance waterfowl habitat, wetlands, and migratory corridors and improve rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.

"A fundamental component of our commitment to sustainable forestry is outreach such as this with family tree farmers," said Jim Fitzgerald, regional manager of the Gulf Operations for International Paper's Forest Resources business. "The Forested Flyways program brings both wildlife habitat improvement and educational opportunities to family owned forests. The field days provide tree farmers with an opportunity to learn about wetlands conservation and wildlife habitat improvement on their forestlands."

Forested Flyways takes a grassroots approach to leverage habitat restoration impact in communities. By promoting the benefits of habitat restoration, members of the American Tree Farm System^® serve as credible mentors and offer real life examples of how conservation measures make economic sense for all family forest owners.

The American Tree Farm System promotes the sustainable management of forests through education and outreach to private landowners. Founded in 1941, ATFS covers 27 million acres of privately owned forestland and has 61,000 certified Tree Farmer members who are committed to excellence in forest stewardship. Tree Farmers manage their forestlands for wood, water, wildlife and recreation with assistance from over 7,000 volunteer foresters. ATFS is a program of the American Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works for healthy forests, quality environmental education and informed decision-making about our communities and our world.

International Paper (http://www.internationalpaper.com) is the world's largest paper and forest products company. Businesses include paper, packaging and forest products. As one of the largest private forest landowners in the world, the company manages its forests under the principles of the SFI^® program, a system that ensures the perpetual planting, growing and harvesting of trees while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air and water quality. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has operations in over 40 countries and sells its products in more than 120 nations.

High resolution, four color photos are available for downloading at www.forestfoundation.org/news/pressreleases.shtml

ATFS promotes the sustainable management of forests through education and outreach to private landowners. Founded in 1941, ATFS covers 27 million acres of family owned forestland and has 65,000 certified Tree Farmer members who are committed to excellence in forest stewardship. Tree Farmers manage their forestlands for wood, water, wildlife and recreation with assistance from over 7,000 volunteer foresters. ATFS is a program of the American Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works for healthy forests, quality environmental education and to help people make informed decisions about our communities and our world.