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The second century of American conservation finds our lands, natural resources, wildlife, and cultural heritage increasingly threatened.  Climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and environmental injustice threaten biodiversity, as well as the health and safety of all Americans.  As we confront these growing crises, we also face the unraveling of environmental protections, a massive federal deficit, growing economic hardship and social injustice, and political divisions that threaten our democracy. 

Yet, at the same time, the broader public strongly supports preserving our conservation legacy. And, dedicated people continue to explore new ways to use science, collaboration, and creativity to advance efforts to protect our lands and natural resources and the benefits they provide.

To examine both the challenges confronting American conservation in the 21st century and the innovative efforts to address them, *we are convening a series of inclusive “Conservation Conversations” over the next two months to explore the future of American conservation in the 21st century.  Our purpose is to identify specific policies, programs, and strategies to help secure the long-term health of the nation’s natural resources, wildlife and landscapes, and broaden the benefits for all Americans. 

We invite you to join these conversations!

*A collaboration among

Boise State University’s Andrus Center for Public Policy

Colorado State University’s Salazar Center for North American Conservation

Ecosystem Workforce Program the University of Oregon and Oregon State University

University of California-Berkeley’s Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity

University of Colorado’s Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment at Colorado Law

University of Montana’s O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

University of Wyoming’s Ruckelshaus Institute for Environment and Natural Resources

Utah State University’s Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism