Swiss Billionaire Puts $35 Million Toward...

[demmiblue]

BILLINGS, Mont. — Philanthropist Hansjorg Wyss grew up in Switzerland and now spends the bulk of his time outside Philadelphia, but it is the wild landscapes of the Rocky Mountains where he could leave his most lasting mark.

In recent years the publicity-shy billionaire has quietly donated tens of millions of dollars to the preservation of pristine areas of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and other states.

Now, what appears to be his most ambitious project to date has come to fruition as conservation groups this month closed a deal to purchase vast tracts of Plum Creek Timber Co. land in western Montana. Backers say the deal – which included $35 million in donations from Wyss – could shield an estimated one million acres from future development.

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"Look, these are beautiful landscapes," Wyss said. "There was controversy when Yellowstone (National Park) was created and when they declared the Grand Canyon as a National Monument. But there are areas in the United States that must be protected."


MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/14/hansjorg-wyss-swiss-billi_n_796759.html?ref=tw

[Drale]

1. He's the new John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Now lets hope the people in those areas don't start having a heart attack like when Grand Tetons National Park was expanded.

[Botany]

2. Mr. Wyss has put a smile on a some new faces

http://www.birdsasart.com/248/Brown-Bear-smiling-face-_10J0050---Kukak-Bay,-Katmai-National-Park,-AK.jpg

[demmiblue]

3. Indeed! :)

:)

[InvisibleTouch]

4. (applause) We need lots more like that! :) n/t

[Lefta Dissenter]

5. What a wonderful story

thanks for posting that. I really needed some good news today!

I loved this part, "When extra closing cash was needed, Wyss chipped in $10 million more."

I work in the mortgage industry. When people I know "chip in" for closing, it's by the hundreds, not the millions!

:)