CLiF Notes: April Edition

Happy Earth Month! Although it might not feel like it quite yet (at least here in Durango, Colorado), warm weather is just around the corner. While we await the promise of spring, we're delighted to share exciting updates from our team.

Welcoming Avi Kwa Ame National Monument

  Conservation Lands Foundation staff members join Tribes, coalition partners and Nevada Representative Dina Titus to celebrate the designation of Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Washington, D.C. 

In case you missed our last alert, on March 21, 2023, President Joe Biden designated Avi Kwa Ame in Southern Nevada and Castner Range in Texas as national monuments, protecting over half a million acres of public lands. 

Take Action: Thank President Biden for protecting Avi Kwa Ame National Monument

As one of our priority campaigns, we’re thrilled Avi Kwa Ame National Monument is now a part of the National Conservation Lands system, alongside some of the most spectacular natural, historical, cultural and archaeological sites in the country.

We were honored to join representatives from regional Tribes, coalition partners and members of the Nevada delegation and it was heartening to see this sacred landscape gain long-lasting protection.

We invite you to protect other deserving landscapes across the West like the Caja del Rio in New Mexico, Molok Yuluk in California and the Owyhee Canyonlands in Oregon. Ever onward!

Act Now for Public Lands

Last week, the Bureau of Land Management announced a plan to modernize the agency’s strategies for managing public lands by rebalancing its focus on conservation, recreation, wildlife, water and local economies.

Act Now for Public Lands: Send your comment today!

As you may know, nearly 40% of all U.S. public lands are overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. Yet, 90% of these lands are open to extraction and other development. 

The Bureau of Land Management’s "Public Lands Rule” is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring balance to the agency and shape the future of these landscapes that sustain local communities, wildlife, and our quality of life. They have started a 75-day public comment period and we invite you to join us in acting now for public lands!

Investing in National Conservation Lands

In December 2022, we secured a historic 25% funding increase for America’s National Conservation Lands as part of this year’s Interior Department budget. While this was a monumental victory, we need to ensure Congress continues investing in National Conservation Lands.

To date, we’ve secured the support of more than 100 local and national organizations for another budget increase to manage National Conservation Lands and cultural resources for 2024. 

This clear mandate from community-based advocates has led to more House and Senate conservation champions than ever before – 32 House members and 10 Senators have sent letters to appropriators supporting our funding request.

Leave a Conservation Legacy

Join us on May 4th for a webinar to explore important elements of gift planning, such as bequests, giving through a retirement plan, gifts of non-cash assets, leveraging your Donor Advised Fund, and minimizing tax burdens for your heirs. No matter your current finances, you’ll leave our session with the tools to prepare a legacy that will protect essential public lands, water and wildlife for generations to come. 

When: Thursday, May 4 at 11 AM MT
RSVP Here

As always, thank you for your continued support of our work to protect the lands you love.