Volkswagen of America and the Conservation Fund Unite for Cherokee National Forest

Volkswagen constantly looks to the future and generates a futuristic SUV that doesn’t cost the Earth. At the beginning of October (2021), Volkswagen of America added to this notion with over 1,500 acres. 

It’s nice to take some time off divine German engineering and admire nature’s immaculate engineering as well. So it’s even better to acknowledge Volkswagen of America and The Conservation Fund declare a multi-year effort to buy, conserve, and transfer 1,500 acres of land to the US Forest Service for the Cherokee National Forest.   

The preservation of the National Forest is no small part of three separate plots near the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee. Land preservation will enhance statewide efforts to protect wildlife habitats and cultural resources, improve water quality, and nurture other recreational accesses and provide community education on the environment.  

The conserved lands are composed of Monroe, Polk, and Cocke counties. The land is now open to the public for use and recreation, providing hunting: wildlife viewing, and fishing. In addition to the Cherokees National Forests 660,000-acres, the additional acreage offers enhanced protection for ecologically detrimental waterways such as the French Broad River, Little Toqua Creek, and the Conasauga River. For example, the Conasauga River is one of the most aquatically diverse rivers, home to 11 federally endangered fish and mussel species. 

“We are proud of the environmental strides we have made with The Conservation Fund and believe this work is integral to our endeavor of giving back to a community where more than 3,800 of our colleagues live. Working with The Conservation Fund underscores our sustainability commitments to bolster the positive impacts in the communities where we work and live.” – Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy of Volkswagen of America. 

A large portion of Volkswagen’s $1.25 million donations to the Conservation Fund acquired the purchase and constant protection of the 1,500 acres. So, anything leftover was awarded through the Volkswagen Community Grant Program to five charitable organizations, granting up to $50,000 each. 

The charitable organizations that receive grants will advance knowledge on the environment with learning and leadership opportunities for the local youth, maintaining the rivers and waterways within the Cherokee National Forest, and real-time updates of recreational access information for nature lovers within the region. 

“I applaud The Conservation Fund and Volkswagen of America for their hard work and commitment to protecting thousands of acres of pristine wilderness within the Cherokee National Forest. The 1,500 acres added to the Cherokee National Forest will increase recreation opportunities for Tennesseans, strengthen Tennessee’s State Wildlife Action Plan, and preserve our state’s natural heritage for generations to come.”-US Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03). 

Aren’t you tired of shopping around and not finding the car of your dreams? Sunrise Volkswagen of Fort Pierce is new with the inventory to match. Whether you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned Volkswagen, our service personnel will provide you with the hometown customer service you deserve. In addition, Volkswagen is known for its German high-tech engineering and its reasonable prices. So if you’re facing some financial dilemmas, please feel free to take advantage of our finance center. Our staff is committed to your satisfaction.

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