Continental Tire the Americas is teaming up with the nonprofit conservation organization Wildlife Mississippi to conserve approximately 1,000 acres of wetlands and streams located along the Bayou Pierre River. The partnership represents a $5 million investment supporting the purchase, restoration, protection and long-term stewardship of the land.

Bayou Pierre river is located in Hinds County, Miss., the came county Continental announced it plans to build a new commercial tire plant.

“It is important for Continental to work with local environmental groups to conserve the areas where we’re investing,” said Grant Bovim, Continental project manager. “Since selecting central Mississippi as the new site of our tire plant, we are working closely with the state and local entities to identify needs and ways to support the community. Restoring and protecting these wetlands and streams is crucial to us as a leader in sustainable development.”

Continental provided the funds for the purchase of the land, and Wildlife Mississippi will lead the restoration, protection and stewardship of it, the tiremaker said. Restoration efforts include the planting of more than 10 different species of indigenous bottomland hardwoods and the control of invasive species.