MORRISON, TN — The Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) has awarded Bridgestone Americas, Inc.’s Tim Bent, Director of Environmental Affairs, with its President’s Award, presented for only the eighth time in WHC’s 24-year history. WHC President Robert Johnson presented the award in honor of Mr. Bent’s outstanding contribution to preserving and protecting the environment for future generations, while leading the commitment of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and its employees worldwide on projects demonstrating contemporary approaches to environmental stewardship and conservation education at corporate sites worldwide.

Mr. Bent’s creative involvement with the Wildlife Habitat Council has been a major factor in wildlife habitat enhancement and conservation education programs at Bridgestone sites throughout the United States. More than 10 Wildlife at WorkSM and Corporate Lands for LearningSM programs are now active at Bridgestone sites, a few of which include: Warren Plant – BEECH (Tennessee), New Beginnings – The Woodlawn Wildlife Area (Maryland) and Wilson Plant Freedom Wildlife Habitat and Refuge (North Carolina). These programs involve hundreds of company employees and reach more than 6,000 learners. WHC’s Corporate Wildlife Habitat Certification/International Accreditation Program recognizes commendable wildlife habitat management and environmental education programs at individual sites. WHC certification adds value to programs by providing third-party credibility and an objective evaluation of projects.

The President’s Award was established to recognize individuals at member or partner organizations, as well as entire organizations, who have demonstrated leadership in community outreach, conservation education and environmental stewardship. Mr. Bent demonstrates these leadership attributes and a global vision to environmental and economic sustainability.

“Mr. Bent has been a member of the Wildlife Habitat Council Board of Directors since 2007 and, in that capacity, has lead WHC to see and pursue a wide-range of opportunities involving used and marginal lands around corporate facilities to connect people to actions, leading to improved awareness and understanding of the importance of preserving the biological integrity of our earth. Through his efforts, buffer lands, brownfields, RCRA sites and even restored Superfund Sites are now serving as important areas of wildlife release, community conservation education for all age groups and open-space that would have not been achieved without his vision,” said Johnson.

The Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, bio-diverse and sustainable environment. WHC-assisted wildlife habitat and conservation education programs are found in 45 states, the District of Columbia and twelve other countries. To learn more, visit www.wildlifehc.org.