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Important Habitat Protected for Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge

Important Habitat Protected for Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge

Published 02-21-06

Submitted by Centex Corporation

Conway, SC - The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Centex Homes announced today the addition of more than 850 acres of hardwood forest and wetland habitat to the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Conway, S.C. Thanks in part to support from the Centex Homes Land Legacy Fund, the new property, acquired by The Conservation Fund from International Paper, will not only enhance recreation opportunities but will also protect important nesting and wintering habitat for wood ducks and migratory waterfowl species.

"The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most vital, yet vulnerable landscapes in the Southeast," said Jason Johnson, The Conservation Fund's South Carolina director. "Thanks to the support of Centex and the South Carolina congressional delegation, along with the commitment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and International Paper, these important lands will forever protect wildlife habitat and provide exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations."

A haven for migratory birds, the 10,590-acre Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge spans portions of the Great Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers, making up a large portion of the Winyah Bay drainage basin. Its diverse habitats include blackwater and alluvial-forested wetlands that host large concentrations of wintering waterfowl, wading birds and neo-tropical migratory songbirds and shelter the northernmost nesting grounds for the sallow-tailed kite.

"This project demonstrates the extraordinary results that can be achieved when public and private partners join forces to find balanced conservation solutions," said refuge manager, Craig Sasser. "Without support from partners such as Centex and The Conservation Fund, many of these important refuge features may never have been protected."

Sasser said he aims to open the newly acquired lands to the public in late summer or early fall, creating a host of opportunities for recreation including bird watching, hiking, hunting and fishing along the Waccamaw River.

"Supporting the protection of the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge is part of our company-wide commitment to balancing land conservation with responsible development," said Mike Wyatt, division president of Centex Homes' Myrtle Beach, S.C. Division. "We are pleased to be part of the effort to preserve this important resource."

This effort is part of Centex's ongoing commitment to conservation and community. To date, Centex has donated more than $5 million for land conservation efforts across the country. The newly established Centex Homes Land Legacy Fund, a relationship with The Conservation Fund, has already provided support for the protection of more than 6,000 acres throughout the country, including critical land in the Waccamaw National Wildlife Preserve.

"International Paper is dedicated to sustainable forestry, which includes wildlife conservation and the responsible management of recreation. We're very pleased that this acreage has been added to the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge," said Dr. Sharon Haines, IP's director, sustainable forestry and forest policy. "The organizations and companies that partnered to make this possible are protecting habitat for a multitude of species and providing exceptional recreational opportunities for visitors."

Volunteers from Centex Homes' Myrtle Beach division will be assisting with design and construction of a new visitor's kiosk, one of several interpretive exhibits that will aid and enhance the refuge's new Environmental Education Center. Once complete, the facility will span a 22-acre tract overlooking the Big Pee Dee River and Yauhannah Lake and will highlight the refuge's diverse habitats and heritage, including Bull Island, historic rice fields and a mosaic of forested wetland communities.

"In these challenging economic times we depend more than ever on the creativity and commitment of conservation champions," added Johnson. "The Conservation Fund applauds Centex for continuing its commitment to land and water conservation through its Land Legacy Fund, which has helped to protect the best of our nation's outdoor heritage."

About Centex
Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation's leading home building companies. Centex operates in major U.S. markets in 25 states and delivered more than 33,000 homes in the United States in its most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes, CityHomes and Centex Destination Properties.

In addition to its home building operations, Centex's (www.centex.com) related business lines include mortgage and financial services, home services and commercial construction. These businesses provide operational or financial support to home building operations and are leaders in their respective industries. Centex ranks No. 1 in its industry on FORTUNE magazine's 2005 list of "America's Most Admired Companies."

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund, the nation's top rated environmental nonprofit by the American Institute of Philanthropy, acts to protect the nation's legacy of land and water resources in partnership with other organizations, public agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals. Seeking innovative conservation solutions for the 21st century, the Fund works to integrate economic and environmental goals. Since its founding in 1985, the Fund has helped its partners safeguard wildlife habitat, greenways, community "greenspace" and historic sites totaling more than five million acres throughout the nation. Headquarters are in Arlington, Va.

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Centex Corporation

Centex Corporation

Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation's leading home building companies. Centex operates in major U.S. markets in 25 states and delivered more than 39,000 homes in the United States in its most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes, CityHomes and Centex Destination Properties. In addition to its home building operations, Centex's (www.centex.com) related business lines include mortgage and financial services, home services and commercial construction. These businesses provide operational or financial support to home building operations and are leaders in their respective industries. Centex consistently ranks among the most admired companies in its industry, according to FORTUNE magazine.

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