Conserve Georgia Renews Commitment To Creating a Culture of Conservation

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Clark Unveils Web
Site and Social Media Program at Georgia Environmental Conference

SAVANNAH, Ga.--(Business Wire)--
Conserve Georgia, Governor Perdue`s statewide initiative charged with helping
create a culture of conservation throughout Georgia, is renewing its call to
preserve the state`s natural resources at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce`s
fourth annual Georgia Environmental Conference in Savannah. An updated
www.ConserveGeorgia.org Web site, a new social media program, and outreach plans
for local government and business organizations are being introduced to business
and civic leaders from throughout the state.

"Georgia`s natural resources are finite and precious, so we must all do our part
to preserve them for future generations," said Chris Clark, Chair of the
Conserve Georgia Council and Commissioner of Natural Resources. "Whether you`re
interested in recycling, land management, air quality, wildlife, or water and
energy conservation, ConserveGeorgia.org is a single portal to find information
about caring for and enjoying our state`s natural resources. In order to better
communicate with Georgians, we also have started communicating directly through
our new Facebook page."

Conserve Georgia is a public information program that is composed of 10 state
partner agencies which manage dozens of conservation-oriented programs, ranging
from the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia to waterSmart. Conserve Georgia
also is working through the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), Association
County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), the regional growth authorities, and
youth organizations to inform Georgians about the program and how their members
can take a more active part in preserving Georgia.

Some of the programs that Conserve Georgia brings together include:

* Backyard Composting, Zero Waste at Work and regional recycling collection hubs
that are operated through the Georgia Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA);
* Wildlife, forest, coastal, water, air and land management and preservation
programs that are managed and operated by the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) and its Environmental Protection Division (EPD);
* The Governor`s Energy Challenge, which directs all state agencies to reduce
energy consumption by 15 percent by 2020 and has challenged Georgia businesses,
local governments and citizens to do the same, and the funding of conservation
and green energy initiatives through the Georgia Environmental Facilities
Authority (GEFA), including projects that receive dollars from the federal
stimulus program; and
* The Georgia Department of Transportation`s (Georgia DOT) Adopt-A-Highway,
Litter Control and Wildflower programs.

"The choices we make as individuals have a significant, collective impact on our
state`s natural resources," continued Clark. "That`s why Governor Perdue and the
Conserve Georgia partner agencies are challenging all Georgians to participate
in conservation programs."

Visitors to www.ConserveGeorgia.org can access dozens of state and
public/private conservation initiatives while navigating through 3-D scenes of
Georgia`s varied natural environment: urban life, rural Georgia, the north
Georgia mountains and coastal Georgia. The site is user-driven, allowing each
visitor to select the kind of content they want to see based on their interest
as an individual, business, educator, agribusiness or local government entity.

3-D elements provide a virtual-world experience complete with the ability to
have some virtual fun - visitors can watch crops grow during the irrigation
process, throw another log on the campfire, or pick up trash and deposit it in a
receptacle. The site`s functionality is designed to get Georgians more engaged,
form a tighter connection with Conserve Georgia and retain more information.

Conserve Georgia`s new presence on Facebook.com also engages Georgians in an
online environment in which they are already currently active. Georgians who
become a "fan" of Conserve Georgia on Facebook.com will receive information
about conservation-related events and programs as well as seasonal conservation
tips.

Conserve Georgia partner agencies include the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), the Environmental
Protection Division (EPD), the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the
University System of Georgia (USG), the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), the
Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC), the Department of
Education (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of
Agriculture (DOA).

A Culture of Conservation

The Conserve Georgia program was developed to foster a culture of conservation
throughout the state of Georgia. Nearly a dozen state agencies and authorities
are working together with businesses, civic leaders, educational institutions,
non-profit organizations and residents to make Georgia`s air, land, water,
energy and wildlife resources more sustainable now and for generations to come.
The program`s Web site - www.ConserveGeorgia.org - serves as a portal to help
Georgians find information on a wide range of conservation resources and
programs.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
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For Conserve Georgia
McRae
Matt O`Connor, 404-917-0675
moconnor@mcrae.com
or
Stephanie Milo, 404-917-0682
smilo@mcrae.com
or
Conserve Georgia
Sarah Dearman, 404-463-2092
sarah.dearman@dnr.state.ga.us

Copyright Business Wire 2009