Key lawmakers say that they are likely to pass another sweeping package of wilderness, parks and other natural resources bills by the end of this year. This action would follow the passing of the unprecedented Ominibus Public Land Management Act last year that protected 3 million acres of land, and 1,000 miles of rivers throughout the US.
Every conservation provision included in the legislation started at the local level where grassroots organizations led the charge to build public support to protect a special wildland or waterway. The Conservation Alliance supported the local organizations that led the efforts behind 12 of the 16 Wilderness provisions included in the package, and funded the groups leading the efforts behind protecting the Snake River Headwaters, and closing the Wyoming Range to new oil and gas development.
In total, The Conservation Alliance contributed more than $700,000 to 10 different organizations and worked in close partnership with Outdoor Industry Association to demonstrate that the outdoor industry stood uniformly behind the provisions in this package.
When President Obama signed the Act into law, John Sterling, Executive Director of the Conservation Alliance said, "This is a major conservation victory that preserves wild places throughout the US forever. We did everything within the limits of our lean staff capacity and financial resources to ensure it crossed the finish line."
Here's hoping for another year of victory!