Sam Houston Jones SP Announces Multiyear Partnership with Sasol

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser today unveiled the Longleaf Legacy Project, a public-private partnership with Sasol in Lake Charles dedicated to the heritage, restoration and sustainability of an endangered American treasure in Louisiana – the longleaf pine forests located in Sam Houston Jones State Park. The project includes restoration of over 70 acres of longleaf forest in the park and companion educational programs for local teachers and families, accessible online at www.LongleafLegacy.com.

"The Longleaf Legacy Project is a great example of Louisiana's strong public-private partnerships. This project demonstrates Sasol's commitment to environmental restoration and education, as well as the company's efforts in making sure that the needs of their communities are addressed," Nungesser said. "Sasol is a great asset to the Southwest Louisiana community and to the state of Louisiana."

Funded by Sasol, through the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, and implemented by Louisiana State Parks and the Coastal Plain Conservancy, the Longleaf Legacy Project aims to preserve the iconic tree's rich history, restore the splendor of local forests, and ensure the resiliency of such habitats for generations to come. Project partners are implementing restoration efforts in Sam Houston Jones State Park to restore degraded areas of longleaf forest to their former majestic conditions and reduce wildfire hazards.

"The Longleaf Legacy Project is a key component of Sasol's environmental stewardship," said Richard Brink, Sasol's Vice President of Safety, Health and Environment. "This project goes beyond restoration by providing parents and educators with hands-on lessons about Louisiana's ecosystems and natural beauty. Longleaf pines are a Louisiana treasure and Sasol is proud to help restore them."

Sam Houston Jones State Park is home to more than 70 acres of longleaf pines, the oldest living southern pine species. They were once one of the most abundant tree species in the United States, stretching across 90 million acres from Virginia to Texas. Over time, land-use practices such as logging, farming, development, urban encroachment, and fire exclusion have diminished the longleaf pine, leaving less than 4 million acres of longleaf forest and less than 10 percent of their original presence in Louisiana.

Restoration efforts in Sam Houston Jones State Park will continue in three phases over the next three years. Work includes underbrush removal, selective thinning, prescribed fires and planned seeding. Visitors to the park may notice mulching activities intended to remove unwanted plants and planned burns to release nutrients from the mulch and fertilize grasses and wildflowers. After the land is prepared, new growth will return to the area.

Project partners include Sasol, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, The Coastal Plain Conservancy, the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana and Patagonia.

Sam Houston Jones State Park, located at 107 Sutherland Road in Lake Charles, is open to the public daily. Informational brochures on the Longleaf Legacy Project will be provided to park visitors. Additional information and educational resources are available online at www.LongleafLegacy.com, including lesson plans designed to help students understand the importance of the local longleaf habitat and its restoration. To learn more about Sasol's corporate social investment initiatives, visit www.SasolNorthAmerica.com.

About the Coastal Plain Conservancy The Coastal Plain Conservancy is a regional non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving the lands that define the coastal plain's distinct landscape. Comprised of local professionals, businesses, and individuals who share the common concern of protecting our environment, the conservancy works to sustain our natural and cultural heritage through conservation, education and stewardship. The CPC works directly with private landowners, government agencies, local leaders, and regional and national conservation groups to coordinate local conservation efforts and maximize awareness and educational efforts.

About Sasol Sasol is an international integrated chemicals and energy company headquartered in South Africa that leverages the talent and expertise of our more than 30,000 people working in 33 countries. We develop and commercialize technologies, and build and operate world-scale facilities to produce a range of high-value product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals and low-carbon electricity. In North America, Sasol is headquartered in Houston, Texas and operates five satellite sites, including its largest facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana.