2.14.2008 - 12:59pm ET

(CSRwire) WASHINGTON D.C. – February 14, 2008 – The Natural Resources Council of America (NCRA) bestowed its Corporate Stewardship Award to Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) on Wednesday, February 13 for unparalleled corporate leadership in support of conservation programs in America.

"NRCA is especially pleased to award its Corporate Stewardship Award to REI," said Jeff Olson, president of NRCA. "Founded 70 years ago, REI has established a standard of corporate responsibility that has become a benchmark for outdoor recreation access and efforts to reduce environmental impact through inspiring actions by its employees and communities across the country."

"REI is a leader for its legacy of dedicated conservationism for supplying money and muscle to programs, projects and organizations," added Olson.

Olson noted that each year REI donates millions of dollars in support of conservation and outdoor recreation access efforts, including partnerships with local and national nonprofits. The company inspires thousands of volunteers to build trails, clean up beaches and teach outdoor ethics to children. Through responsible business practices, REI also strives to reduce its own operational environmental footprint.

"We are honored to be recognized for our work, and we are very pleased with all that has been accomplished working together with the trails community over the years," said Michael Collins, vice president of Public Affairs for REI. "But there is still much more to do to complete and steward trails and bring more young people to the outdoors."

The Corporate Stewardship Award to REI reads:

"In recognition of more than 20 years of support by REI for programs, activities and projects that have helped to develop, maintain and grow the National Trails System. Through its generous underwriting, REI's contributions have helped foster volunteerism, educate children and deepen the involvement of public, private and non-profit groups with trails. REI's stalwart commitment has had a significant impact on both the Trail System and the many trails groups dedicated to ensuring the Trails System provide a unique outdoor recreation experience for all Americans.

"REI has worked closely with such groups as Continental Divide, Ice Age, and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails and through programs such as American Hiking Society's National Trails Day that helps raise public awareness of the Trail System. REI has also helped fund citizen advocacy and good stewardship of our public lands through the National Trails Coalition and Trails Advocacy Week."

About Natural Resources Council of America

Natural Resources Council of America was founded in 1946 by 12 conservation organizations to advance management, protection, and rational use of the Earth's natural resources so as to achieve the highest quality of living for present and future generations of humankind. Today the NRCA is composed of 85 national and state groups.

About REI

REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

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