Forests contribute directly to the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the most important global warming gas emitted by human activities. Forests accumulate greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and stores CO2 as carbon in tree trunks, branches, foliage, roots, and soil. Approximately 2,258 acres of this carbon rich forestland is owned in fee and is directly attributed to Theo P. Costas Jr. and Southern Beverage Company. Carbon offsets attributed to Southern Beverage forests act as a carbon sink, effectively buffering CO2 emissions directly associated with Southern Beverage and its diverse business operations.

A majority of these forests lie within the historic alluvial floodplain of Mississippi, Yazoo, and Big Black River Systems. With over 171 recorded species of native trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous plants and grasses, Southern Beverage Company is associated with properties which are rich in floral diversity, with an equally diverse faunal component. Our forests are home to well over 100 species of neo-tropical migrant birds, resident birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Bald eagles are frequent property visitors.

Critical hydrological functions and connectivity exists through annual flood events which occur within these bottomland hardwood and associated wetland systems. Seasonal high water events serve to recharge ground water supplies, replenish oxbow and interior lakes and provide for sediment deposition and soil enrichment within the floodplain area. Water quality is subsequently enhanced, as is natural forest fertility and habitat for a richly diverse flora and fauna. In cooperation with Wetlands America Trust and Ducks Unlimited, conservation easements have been applied to a majority of the forest and associated ecosystem components; insuring that these unique properties will be managed and protected, in perpetuity. Such is the architecture of these properties and the dynamic processes which so clearly define the forests natural physiography and beauty.

Generations yet unborn will benefit and a society, not yet aware of its inheritance, will be challenged by the conservation commitment which Theo P. Costas Jr. and Southern Beverage have collectively and meaningfully expressed. Thank you for being so inclusive in your application of conservation values and for providing a template whereby we all can measure the depth.

W.H. Tomlinson, R.F., C.W.B. President, Wildlife Technical Services, Inc.