The Conservation Alliance announced a new level of membership that will recognize companies that contribute at least $100,000 annually to the organization. During the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market last week, the Alliance announced that Eastern Mountain Sports, KEEN, Inc., Patagonia, REI, and The North Face have committed to be the first five members of this new "Pinnacle" membership level. Pictured above are Casey Sheahan (Patagonia), Sally Jewell (REI), Steve Rendle (The North Face), James Curleigh (KEEN), and Will Manzer (Eastern Mountain Sports) as they received a standing ovation from the audience at The Conservation Alliance Breakfast.
"Our goal is to increase the amount of funding we can contribute to conservation efforts throughout North America," said John Sterling, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. "We have terrific opportunities right now to save our last wild places, and these five members are showing the leadership we need to safeguard wild lands and rivers for the long term."
The Alliance is encouraging other members to increase their commitment to the organization, and expects to announce additional above-and-beyond contributions at the January Outdoor Retailer show.
"We recognize that our industry must do more to save our special wilderness areas and wild rivers," said Lisa Pike Sheehy, Director of Environmental Programs at Patagonia, and a member of The Conservation Alliance board. "The Alliance directs 100 percent of our members' dues into the hard-working hands of the best conservation organizations in North America, and measures ROI in terms of acres of land and miles of rivers protected, dams stopped or removed, and climbing areas acquired. It's a clean model, and we're proud to participate at the $100,000 level."
The Conservation Alliance will disburse $900,000 this year, and expects to surpass the $1 million mark for the first time in 2011.