The Conservation Alliance Announces Defense Fund to Protect Threatened Conservation Efforts Around the Country

November 7, 2024

The Land and Water Defense Fund helps protect and defend public lands at a time when conservation priorities are under threat

(November 7, 2024) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is announcing the relaunch of a Land and Water Defense Fund which will award discretionary grants to grassroots organizations working to protect our public lands and waters, which businesses and local communities value and depend on.

Donations to the fund are pooled and distributed as grants to conservation organizations on the ground working to protect public lands and waters, local economies, and recreation opportunities. The grants are typically between six to 12 months, and can be for as much as $50,000.

Priority will be given to projects supporting TCA priority campaigns, include a parallel process for securing durable protection, address urgent threats to public lands, and amplify the voices and leadership of local communities and tribes. Specific program priorities include:

• Defending foundational conservation laws; such as the Wilderness Act, Antiquities Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Water Act
• Protecting landscapes, rules, regulations, and management plans previously supported by TCA
• Opposing any proposed transfer of federal lands to state or private ownership

Since its original founding in 2017, the Land and Water Defense Fund has awarded 43 grants totaling $777,000. These grants have been instrumental in supporting conservation laws, including the Antiquities Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Endangered Species Act. Key achievements include stopping the transfer of the Elliott State Forest in Oregon, public lands in Utah, and protecting six national monuments that were at risk of reduction.

Companies and individuals, regardless of their affiliation with TCA, are invited to contribute to the Land and Water Defense Fund. Contributions from TCA members are accepted as additional donations beyond regular membership dues.

For more information or to contribute to the fund, please visit https://conservationalliance.com/land-water-defense-fund/.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – from the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $33.1 million in grants and helped protect over 124 million acres and 4,964 river miles, remove or halt 41 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

Media Contact:
Lilly Zoller, Communications Director

The Conservation Alliance

Lilly@conservationalliance.com