When governments fumble, The Conservation Alliance picks up the ball. Words :: Ned Morgan.
Wilderness for the Public Good
We’re in need of some good news this year. (And not just for the obvious reason.) If there was ever a golden age of government-mandated conservation, few would say it was in recent memory. Perhaps it was the century of U.S. national park and other public land acquisitions that followed the establishment of Yellowstone in 1872. Few if any other countries have conserved more wilderness in a comparable time period.
Today, you might struggle to name a government openly calling for such large-scale conservation. A few recent bright spots emerge: Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve, Canada; Sierra del Divisor National Park, Peru; Dehing Patkai National Park, India; and the passage of the U.S. landmark John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act.
Humanity’s Relentless Pressure
But with global population closing in on 8 billion, humans by their sheer numbers are putting ever more pressure on the wilderness (or near-wilderness) that remains. Meanwhile, unscrupulous land developers and resource extractors tirelessly lobby federal, state/provincial, or municipal governments for fewer environmental restrictions on vulnerable land and waterways. And they buy up or secure access to vast parcels for recklessly profit-making endeavors mainly to benefit a relatively small number of corporate shareholders.
So: the good news? The Conservation Alliance exists to counter this alarming trend.
What is The Conservation Alliance?
It is a group of companies that distributes its annual membership dues to environmental organizations, with a focus on wilderness habitat and outdoor recreation. Jointly founded in 1989 by REI, Patagonia, The North Face, and Kelty, The Alliance now boasts more than 250 member companies. Since its inception, it has contributed more than $24 million to conservation organizations in North America.
The Good News
Its funding has helped protect 3,575 miles of rivers; conserve 73 million acres of wildlands; stop or remove 35 dams; designate five marine reserves; and purchase 17 climbing areas.
And at the end of 2020 the Alliance welcomed 14 new member organizations. Why is this good news for you? As members of the Alliance, these organizations pool their resources to help safeguard our wild playgrounds. By supporting them, you support conservation. (Check the full list of member organizations.) We all want more playgrounds, right?
Seeing the success of The Conservation Alliance gives me hope that we can work together to secure more protection for our wilderness and re-establish a planet where both nature and humanity prosper.
Latest Conservation Alliance Member Organizations:
10 Barrel Brewing Company is a brewery based in Bend, Oregon, featuring innovative beers brewed locally at each of their six brewpub locations.
Amari is a new supplement company developing plant-based products that work to reduce inflammation brought on by exercise and help people always feel ready to enjoy the activities they love.
Atmos Financial offers values-aligned banking products for individuals to have a direct and measurable climate impact. Atmos’s FDIC-insured savings accounts provide market-leading rates.
Bell & the Whistle is a wooden art company creating custom signs and wall decor. Many of their designs are inspired by mountains, vistas, and National Parks.
Dometic provides smart, reliable products with outstanding design for mobile living.
Elevated Independent Energy is a renewable energy contractor with a mission to empower home and business owners to gain energy independence by taking control of their electrical grids.
MyClimb is an app that helps you log any climb, anywhere, and train with the world’s best climbers.
Nomadix makes go-anywhere towels for travel, yoga, beach, and camping. All products are made from certified post-consumer recycled materials.
Prime Gear Direct is a Seattle-based online retailer of quality brands for your next adventure.
Righteous Felon Jerky Cartel specializes in producing all-natural, craft meat snacks featuring pasture-raised American Black Angus and unique, one-of-a-kind flavors.
Rumpl was put on this planet to introduce the world to better, modernized blankets.
VSSL (Pron. “vessel”) delivers pre-packed expert-curated outdoor essentials into compact, indestructible, military-grade aluminum cylinders that ensure you’re ready for every adventure.
Wholesum is an app that makes group meal planning simple. Easily create recipes, shopping lists and meal plans for groups.
Wild Nature creates natural, high-protein jerky dog treats enhanced with real superfoods for outdoor adventurers.
Other Conservation Alliance members include Mountain Life Media partners Black Diamond, Helly Hansen, KEEN, MEC, Merrell, Mountain Hardwear, Salomon, Thule, and YETI.
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