Nissan: Nissan renews $50,000 grant to the Harpeth River Watershed Association conservation leadership efforts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan today announced a $50,000 program grant to the Harpeth River Watershed Association (HRWA) that supports the organization’s efforts on new pollution reduction plan and water quality studies for the entire Harpeth River system. Nissan North America has been a partner of HRWA since the company moved to Tennessee, with nine annual grants totaling $450,000 since 2008.

In partnership with HRWA and other stakeholders, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will be leading this all-inclusive effort, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will also contribute its time and expertise.

 “Nissan remains committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where we live and work,” said Rebecca Vest, Nissan vice president, Corporate Development and Social Responsibility. “The Harpeth is a valuable, natural asset for many counties in Middle Tennessee. We are glad to partner with HRWA to educate and mobilize people to work together and put solutions in place that protect the Harpeth River now and for generations to come.”

With its inclusion on the American Rivers listing of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, the State Scenic Harpeth River received national attention as a river whose future is at a crossroads. Nissan’s funding will support HRWA’s program efforts to expand the “citizen science” component of a river-system wide water quality monitoring program as a critical step toward restoring the river’s water quality to meet state standards for public health and wildlife. Nissan funds will also support HRWA’s River Restoration Wildlife Protection Program and Outreach and Education Program, making numerous stream clean-ups and restoration projects possible with farmers and volunteers and reaching over 500 children in youth camps and schools around the river system.

“Nissan’s support for nearly 10 years as a lead corporate partner has enabled HRWA to have important success working collaboratively to develop and then champion solutions for the Harpeth River that are having national impact in how to improve water quality and protect wildlife and public health as a core component of regional economic development,” said Dorene Bolze, HRWA Executive Director. “As part of our vision for the next 15 years, our two new senior program staff will enable us to expand our capacity to help foster and expand partnerships around Tennessee and the Southeast that will help restore rivers and improve water quality for all Tennesseans.”

Kevin Cronk, HRWA’s new Director for Watershed Science and Restoration who started in late September, comes from northern Michigan, where he led water quality monitoring and research programs for Tip of Mitt Watershed Council since 2003. Kevin has a Master of Science Degree in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Michigan. Jim Redwine, HRWA’s Director for Water Quality Program and Sustainability, joined HRWA in March. Jim has over 30 years of experience as a corporate, executive, and environmental and bankruptcy attorney. Jim’s work includes the General Motors bankruptcy, where he was responsible for all environmental functions in the largest industrial bankruptcy in US history. Jim’s earned his law degree at Vanderbilt University and B.A. from Harvard University.

In addition to funding HRWA’s expanding capacity for its science based programs, Nissan will be the Presenting Sponsor for the 12th annual River Swing on Oct. 22, a casual and festive event held under the stars on the banks of the Harpeth River to celebrate 15 years of local success with national impact. For a second year, Williamson County Commissioner Todd Kaestner and his wife, Susan, will host the event that attracts over 400 people, out to their Fairpath Farm on 3210 Del Rio Pike starting at 5pm to catch the beautiful sunset. Proceeds from the 2016 River Swing dinner, dance, silent auction, and unique art show presented by the Chestnut Group, Plein Air painters for the land, will augment Nissan’s grant support. For more information, please visit RiverSwing.org.

About Harpeth River Watershed Association
Founded in 1999, The Harpeth River Watershed Association (HRWA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, science-based, conservation organization dedicated to the restoration and protection the State Scenic Harpeth River and clean water in Tennessee. The Harpeth is among the unique freshwater river systems of the Southeast which contain some of the greatest variety of aquatic life in the world. To effect change, HRWA collaborates with landowners, businesses, local, state and federal decision makers, and others. HRWA works to put solutions in place to reduce pollution, implement restorations, and maintain healthy areas so that the Harpeth River and its tributaries can progress towards water quality standards set for people and wildlife. One of the most ecologically, culturally, historically, and recreationally significant rivers in Tennessee, the 125 mile-long State Scenic Harpeth River and over 1,000 miles of tributaries flow through both rural landscapes and rapidly developing urban and suburban areas of the greater Nashville region, one of the fastest growing regions of the country. For more information, please visit HarpethRiver.org.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2015, the company sold more than 5.4 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 12.19 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: ASEAN Oceania; Africa, Middle East India; China; Europe; Latin America and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500, and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance since March 1999.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/. You can also follow @NissanMotor on Twitter.

 

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Contact

Vicki Smith
Nissan North America
Tel: 615-725-0749
vicki.smith@nissan-usa.com

Steve Yaeger
Group Communications
Nissan North America
Tel: 615-725-4443
Steve.Yaeger@Nissan-Usa.com
NisanNews.com

Dorene Bolze
Harpeth River Watershed Association
Tel: 615-790-9767; mobile:  615-479-0181
doriebolze@harpethriver.org
HarpethRiver.org

Additional Photos Available Upon Request