In our continually shifting legislative landscape, America’s public lands often end up as an all-too-convenient political football for policymakers on both sides of the aisle. There’s no denying that there is an incredibly large range of stakeholders when it comes to our public lands, from staunch preservationists to those who seek full government divestment, and plenty of folks in between. Those of us who find solace and adventure in wild places on this continent rely on road and trail access as well as robust support for those lands and the agencies that manage them. Outdoor Alliance has been working hard out in public and behind the scenes for ten years as one of our strongest conservation advocates.
Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the US that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of a number of national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include non-profits like American Whitewater, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, the American Alpine Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions, as well as corporate partners like REI and Patagonia, and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience.
In the last 10 years, Outdoor Alliance has helped people who recreate outside become a unified political force—one that has helped protect 40 million acres of land and secured $5.1 billion in funding for public lands and waters. Through its work, more than 100,000 people have organized and advocated for better land, water, and climate protection, management, and funding.
Outdoor Alliance recently released its 10-year anniversary report and anniversary video, which looks back at the last decade of “conservation powered by outdoor recreation.” It explores not just some of the biggest wins of the last decade, but how those were achieved—and it sets the stage for what this passionate political force can accomplish in the next decade.
“As a longtime partner, REI has witnessed Outdoor Alliance’s exceptional ability to navigate the complex landscape of outdoor advocacy,” said Taldi Harrison, Director of Community and Government Affairs for REI. “Their work, from passing major land protections to securing funding for the outdoors, has benefited the millions of Americans, including REI members, who get outside each year.”
While Outdoor Alliance’s primary focus is on “human powered” recreation, its mission doesn’t exclude the conservation goals of two- and four-wheeled explorers. Overlanders also rely on keeping public lands in public hands, as well as advocacy for preserving road access and supporting maintenance to keep those trails open. You can read more about Outdoor Alliance’s mission on its website.
Read more: Yamaha Funds Public Lands Education
Images: Outdoor Alliance
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