A New Team Hits the Track

August 18, 2007

Contact:
Kathryn Brown, The Conservation Fund, 703.525.6300

BROOKLYN, Michigan — Today, The Conservation Fund joined with Ryan Newman, one of the most popular drivers on the NASCAR circuit, to launch “Racing For Wildlife”--an exciting effort to build an American land legacy for generations of sports enthusiasts who share Newman’s love of the outdoors.

Racing For Wildlife unites the sports community with passionate land and water conservationists across the country. The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation announced the program today at Michigan International Speedway, which is providing inaugural support. “I’ve met a lot of NASCAR fans who are avid fisherman like me,” said Newman. “And they know how important it is to protect the beautiful land and water that we enjoy today so our grandchildren can enjoy it in the future.”

Over time, Racing For Wildlife will pursue new conservation projects that offer recreational opportunities near urban areas, so families can easily enjoy the outdoors in protected places. In selecting conservation projects, Racing For Wildlife will work with local land conservation groups and public agencies to find opportunities that both fulfill state-recognized conservation priorities and invite a new generation to experience the outdoors.

Racing For Wildlife’s first project is a collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to restore Mill Lake Youth Camp. The historic camp, built in the 1930s, is approximately 30 miles north of MIS in the 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area. The camp is located on a scenic lake that offers excellent recreation and fishing. This restoration project will bring back the historic site, reopening the camp to families, focusing on youth activities, family events and individual use in a year-round facility that can accommodate over 140 people.

Rebbeca Humphries, director of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, noted that Racing For Wildlife offers the state an opportunity to grow a new generation of conservationists. “When people spend time outdoors, they become more invested in our natural resources,” Humphries said. “They become good conservation stewards, interested in protecting and preserving our great outdoor places for their children and grandchildren.”

Larry Selzer, president and CEO of The Conservation Fund, called Racing For Wildlife a unique project. “Racing For Wildlife is exciting because we’re inviting sports enthusiasts to join us in saving America’s wildlife lands,” said Selzer. Whether families like to fish or hike, canoe or just relax outside, they can help save and restore places to enjoy.”

“We’re thrilled that Racing For Wildlife has chosen Mill Lake Youth Camp as its first of many projects because the area surrounding MIS is truly a state park setting that deserves protection and support,” added Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis.

Carfax, host of this weekend’s CARFAX 250 NASCAR Busch Series race at Michigan International Speedway, is one of the first companies to voice support for Racing For Wildlife. “Carfax is honored the Ryan Newman Foundation and The Conservation Fund have chosen today, just hours prior to the CARFAX 250, to announce their exciting Racing For Wildlife program in cooperation with MIS,” said Dick Raines, president of the company. “Carfax looks forward to supporting this important wildlife conservation and education program in the months ahead as the renovation of the Mill Lake Youth Camp begins.”

To learn more about Racing For Wildlife or to make a donation, visit www.racingforwildlife.org.

About The Conservation Fund