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Tom's of Maine Gives 38 Acre 'Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary' to Kennebunk Land Trust; Company Maintains Ownership of 28 Acres for Possible Future Expansion

Posted on: Tuesday, 5 December 2006, 12:00 CST

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom's of Maine announced the gift of the 38.1 acre "Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary" to the Kennebunk Land Trust today to forever protect local community access to the woods and trails along the Mousam River near downtown Kennebunk.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061205/CLTU047 ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050713/NEW010LOGO )

"We moved to Kennebunk in 1969 to be part of this community and raise a family," said Kate Chappell, co-founders of Tom's of Maine. "We're grateful for the opportunity to give something back to the town and people that have given so much to us over these last 37 years." Tom's of Maine co-founder and CEO Tom Chappell added, "We're particularly pleased to protect a small piece of Maine's natural beauty which has inspired us personally and been at the heart of our business success all these years."

The property will be managed by the Kennebunk Land Trust with additional funds personally donated by Tom and Kate Chappell. The property and trails will be open to the public from dawn to dusk. No hunting or motorized vehicles will be permitted.

"Kennebunk Land Trust is honored to accept this wonderful gift from Tom's of Maine and the Chappells. Tom and Kate's commitment to preserving the conservation values of the property while encouraging public enjoyment of this place of respite is exemplary. We are most grateful for their generosity and foresight, their interest in community and conservation, and for their confidence in Kennebunk Land Trust," said Marie Louise St. Onge, Executive Director for KLT.

"The property is outstanding. It boasts 38 acres of native land in the midst of downtown Kennebunk. The parcel comprises rich wetlands, forested areas and an exceptional, uninterrupted 2,438 feet of frontage along the Mousam River. In a very significant way, protection of this land furthers the Trust's mission and leaves a legacy for generations to come," said St. Onge. "Whether to cross-country ski, bird watch, or simply relax, this property is a great destination."

Tom's of Maine continues to own an adjacent 28.2 acres for possible expansion at some point in the future. Tom's of Maine's corporate offices are still in the Lafayette Center on Main Street in Kennebunk while the manufacturing, warehouse and fulfillment facility is in Sanford, Maine.

Tom's of Maine and the Kennebunk Land Trust recognize the following partners for their technical help in making this land gift happen: Pierce- Atwood, LLP; Corner Post Land Surveying, Inc.; Bergen & Parkinson, LLC; TFH Architects, Inc.; and Mr. Willis T. Emmons, District Manager, Kennebunk Sewer District.

Founded in Kennebunk, Maine, by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970, Tom's of Maine creates effective personal care products using simple, natural ingredients derived from plants and minerals. Tom's of Maine products- toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, deodorant, and soap-do not contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, flavors, or animal ingredients; are tested for safety and efficacy without the use of animals; are biodegradable; and are packaged in earth-friendly ways. Our philosophy of "Natural Care" guides us in doing what is right for our customers, employees, communities, and environment. We fulfill our Natural Care mission by donating 10% of our profits to charitable organizations; by encouraging our employees to use 5% of their paid time in volunteer work; by adhering to our standards of natural, sustainable, and responsible; and by not testing on animals. Visit http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ for more information and to let us know what you think of our products!

Kennebunk Land Trust was founded in 1972. To date the Trust has conserved over 3,300 acres of wooded forest, scenic and agricultural lands, essential wildlife and vegetative habitat and critical watershed areas. With a service area including Kennebunk, Arundel and Lyman, the Trust office is located in Kennebunk, ME. Visit the Trust's website at http://www.kennebunklandtrust.org/ for more information.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061205/CLTU047http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050713/NEW010LOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN8PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Tom's of Maine

CONTACT: Susan Dewhirst of Tom's of Maine, +1-800-FOR-TOMS, orsdewhirst@tomsofmaine.com

Web site: http://www.tomsofmaine.com/http://www.kennebunklandtrust.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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