Dr Pepper Snapple Group, The Nature Conservancy Renew Partnership on Texas Watershed Protection Initiatives

PLANO, Texas, July 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) has committed $1 million over the next three years to provide continued support to The Nature Conservancy on several environmental stewardship projects that protect vital water resources in Texas.

The renewed commitment to The Nature Conservancy is a continuation of an initial donation in 2012, which enhanced the Conservancy's efforts to protect and restore several key watersheds in Texas, including the Trinity and Brazos Rivers, the Texas Gulf Coast and the Edwards Aquifer.  Over the next three years, DPS's commitment will help support ongoing restoration and conservation activities in these watersheds, which serve the state's three largest metropolitan areas: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. DPS operates production facilities in all three locations.

"The explosive population growth in Texas not only creates tremendous economic opportunities, but also brings a greater shared responsibility among businesses, governments and individuals to conserve and protect vital natural resources," said Kelly Smith, director, government affairs and sustainability at Dr Pepper Snapple Group. "Growth is simply not sustainable without an abundant supply of fresh, clean water, and we're proud to continue working with The Nature Conservancy to protect watersheds that are vital to our consumers, customers and employees in Texas."

Since 2012, DPS's investment has supported conservation work at five important nature preserves. During this timeframe the Conservancy significantly increased its conservation footprint by acquiring new conservation land and restoring more than 1,500 acres of coastal and blackland prairies. The organization has also harvested more than 104 pounds of rare native seeds to restore habitat on adjacent public and private lands to increase this footprint even further.  All of these activities help conserve water and improve water quality in each of the watersheds.

This latest donation by DPS will enable the Conservancy to continue restoration and stewardship activities at these critical preserves:

• Clymer Meadow Preserve, where The Nature Conservancy is conserving 1,400 acres of pristine blackland prairie, one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America. Restoration efforts at this preserve help protect the Trinity River watershed.
• Texas City Prairie Preserve and Nash Prairie Preserve, located on separate tracts of land south of Houston. The Texas City Prairie Preserve sits on Galveston Bay, and the Nash Prairie Preserve is located along the Brazos River.
• Cibolo Bluffs Preserve and Love Creek Preserve, two preserves near San Antonio that contribute to the protection of the Edwards Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for San Antonians and thousands of other nearby residents.

"For years Dr Pepper Snapple has taken an active role in protecting our most vital resource: water," said Laura Huffman, state director of The Nature Conservancy in Texas. "This sets an important example for other businesses to follow and highlights an important fact: good conservation requires everyone to have a seat at the table. We're thrilled to have the opportunity to continue this important conservation work and, with their support, help protect freshwater for millions of Texans."  

About Dr Pepper Snapple Group

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) is a leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean. Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have six of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and 13 of our 14 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Peñafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about our iconic brands and Plano, Texas-based company, please visit www.DrPepperSnapple.com. For our latest news and updates, follow us at www.Facebook.com/DrPepperSnapple or www.Twitter.com/DrPepperSnapple.

About The Nature Conservancy in Texas

The Nature Conservancy in Texas (nature.org/texas) maintains 38 ecologically important preserves and conservation projects statewide and, with partners, has conserved nearly one million acres of land and water in Texas. The organization has also led significant marine habitat restoration efforts along the Gulf of Mexico that benefit wildlife and help protect Texas communities from hurricanes and tropical storms. In addition to a dozen initiatives benefiting Texas rivers and streams, the Conservancy also works with private landowners and municipalities, such as the cities of San Antonio, Austin and San Marcos, to protect critical freshwater resources like the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. Over the past 50 years, the Conservancy has worked with state and federal agencies to create and expand beloved public areas, including Enchanted Rock State Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Powderhorn Ranch and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

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