Ingka Group announced it has acquired forestland property in the U.S. from The Conservation Fund, a non-profit conservation organization that has protected over 8 million acres of land in the U.S. 

 The property is located in southeast Georgia near the Altamaha River Basin, designed for its high conservation value. It consists of approximately 10,840 acres, including 970 in Bryan County near Pembroke. 

 “We are honored to work with Ingka Group and applaud its dedication to preserve and enhance forest quality in the U.S. and Europe. Well-managed forests provide essential benefits, including clean water and important wildlife habitat, as well as mitigating climate change,” said Larry Selzer, President and CEO of The Conservation Fund.

 According to a press release, Ingka Group has assumed all legally binding agreements set in place by The Conservation Fund which include the obligation to protect the land from fragmentation, restore the longleaf pine forest, and safeguard the habitat of the gopher tortoise (a priority species for conservation). Under these agreements the public will continue to enjoy access to the lands normally forbidden by typical forestland owners.

 “We are delighted to continue our forestland acquisitions in the U.S. With this new acquisition, we own roughly 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres) in five states – Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma. This investment in Georgia is special to us as our partners from The Conservation Fund understood our long-term vision and have entrusted us to ensure the protection of the forestland,” said Krister Mattsson, Managing Director Ingka Investments.