11,172-acre property home to endangered species, resort operations

ATLANTA, June 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WestRock Company (NYSE:WRK) today announced the sale of its Cabin Bluff property to The Nature Conservancy. Consisting of 11,172 acres of upland longleaf forests, marshes, forested hammocks and wildlife, the property is positioned across the intracoastal waterway from Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia.

“For decades, management of Cabin Bluff has focused on stewardship and sustainability,” said Mark Lewis, senior vice president of WestRock’s land and development business. “We are pleased that The Nature Conservancy, an organization known for its commitment to protecting land for future generations, will now own this one-of-a-kind property.”

Cabin Bluff’s forestlands have been intensively managed with a focus on its wildlife habitat while maintaining the integrity of the adjoining estuarine systems. The site is home to traditional game species such as deer, turkey and quail, as well as the gopher tortoise, listed as a threatened species in Georgia, and a candidate for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. The Nature Conservancy’s Georgia Program will develop a conservation plan to protect Cabin Bluff’s endangered, threatened or rare plants and animals, and is already working with partners and building support to assure the property’s long-term conservation.

Long recognized as one of the nation’s oldest hunt clubs, the property houses an Orvis®-endorsed fly fishing lodge and Beretta wing shooting lodge. The sale includes the resort operations that are expected to continue through a third-party management partner.

About WestRock
WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s 45,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 300 operating business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/georgia. 

CONTACT:

WestRock

Investors:
James Armstrong, 470-328-6327
Vice President, Investor Relations
james.armstrong@westrock.com

John Stakel, 678-291-7901
Senior Vice President, Treasurer
john.stakel@westrock.com

Media:
John Pensec, 470-328-6397
Director, Corporate Communications
john.pensec@westrock.com