July 24, 2023 – Today, The Conservation Alliance, along with a broad coalition of companies and outdoor industry partners, is proud to announce the launch of the Mobilizing for Monuments campaign. Business leaders are calling on the Biden Administration to permanently protect millions of acres of public lands by establishing new National Monuments across the United States.
With unprecedented pressure on our lands and waters from resource development and climate change, there has never been a more urgent time to conserve outdoor spaces for nature and people. National Monuments are a proven conservation tool, help protect public lands for all to enjoy, and support jobs and the economy.
Business leaders nationwide recognize the indispensable role that the outdoors play in our nation and economy. Public lands protections directly benefit our economy, sustaining and creating jobs, and generating sizable revenue at the national, state, and local levels. Outdoor recreation accounted for 1.8 percent of the U.S. GDP in 2021, accounting for $862B in annual gross economic output, and supporting 4.5M jobs.
“If you are a business leader wondering what concrete short-term steps you can take to help with climate change, provide equitable access to nature, and ensure that places like the Grand Canyon offer opportunities for adventure to future generations, join our growing community and be a part of the solution,” said Shoren Brown, Vice President of Public Affairs of The Conservation Alliance. “We invite business leaders from Maine to Alaska to join our ranks as we help conserve iconic American landscapes.”
Participating organizations and brands will use their respective strengths as retailers, manufacturers, or outdoor industry-based nonprofits to support existing locally-led campaigns for public land protections – and utilize their compelling, and often bipartisan voice as businesses to influence National Monument designation.
Currently Mobilizing for Monuments is supporting four campaigns for new or expanded National Monuments: Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Expansion, the Dolores River Canyon Country National Monument, and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion. Stay tuned for more announcements about the coalition’s work on these and other National Monument campaigns.
“Advocating for the protection of our nation’s public lands is an effort that requires a collective voice from the industry to ensure these landscapes receive the protection they deserve,” said Todd Spaletto, President, Public Lands. “By working together across the industry, we can ensure that the benefits of National Monuments to our climate, ecosystems and the outdoor recreation economy are permanently protected.”
“Mobilizing for Monuments is an exciting and important opportunity for business leaders to unite in support of America’s beautiful landscapes. These lands and waters represent significant recreational, cultural, and ecological value. Peak Design is proud to join other brands in advocating for their protection through National Monument designation,” said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact at Peak Design.
“Some of the most iconic landscapes in America have been protected as National Monuments,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “With growing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities and increasing pressure on our public lands, there has never been a better time for an administration to take action to conserve and honor our country’s natural resources. The outdoor recreation community, representing millions of Americans who get outside each year, and the outdoor business community, are coming together to advocate for strategic and meaningful National Monuments on our existing public lands and waters.”
As of the campaign launch on July 24, 2023, supporters include Outdoor Alliance, Outdoor Industry Association, Public Lands Fund, REI Co-op, Keen, The North Face, Patagonia, and Peak Design. The campaign is currently recruiting hundreds more to join.
