NEWS RELEASE USDA Forest Service Washington, D.C.
Release No. FS-0523	Contact:	Contact: Press Office, (202) 205-1134

USDA FOREST SERVICE AND INTERNATIONAL BOTTLED WATER ASSOCIATION
UNVEIL INTERACTIVE ENV’TAL ED PRESENTATION ON WATER
Conservation tool promotes awareness of the importance of healthy watersheds
and other vital information on clean water resources

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va., Feb. 25, 2005—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) today unveiled a new educational conservation tool to promote awareness of the importance of healthy watersheds, and other essential information about clean water sources.

“Water…Our Most Important Resource,” is an interactive “flash” presentation explaining the hydrological cycle, the importance of forested watersheds, and environmental stewardship. It details how much water various commercial and public enterprises use, and outlines steps to protect and sustain water resources.

“Watershed management is the oldest and highest calling of the Forest Service,” said Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth. “As the Forest Service celebrates its centennial year, it remains committed to sustainable forest management and to working in collaboration with partners in meeting that goal.”

The presentation was officially launched during the 15th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting event. It is one of several joint projects between the Forest Service and IBWA through a memorandum of understanding advocating environmental stewardship and responsible use of our natural resources.

The presentation can be accessed on the Forest Service’s Cooperative Forestry website at www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop or on IBWA’s website at www.bottledwater.org. To link to the presentation or order copies on compact disk, contact IBWA at 703-683-5213.

#