September 2022 Edition | Volume 76, Issue 9
Published since 1946
Conservation Without Conflict Coalition Hosts Summit
The Conservation Without Conflict Coalition held its 2022 Annual Coalition Summit in Aurora, Colorado, September 6-8. Representatives of over 40 public and private partners came together to help guide the coalition’s work as the group pivots from identity-formation and planning to capacity-building and action. The meeting featured keynote remarks from leaders across the conservation and working lands communities, including U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie, Bureau of Land Management Principal Deputy Director Nada Wolff Culver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams, Association of Fish and Wildlife Association President and Director of Nevada Department of Wildlife Tony Wasley, and Ladder Ranch Owner Pat O’Toole.
During the meeting, Conservation Without Conflict Executive Director Lauren Ward delivered a detailed proposal for the future path of the coalition to build capacity, expand its services, and launch a sustainable strategy that embraces entrepreneurial conservation. The vision of the coalition is for voluntary collaboration to be the preferred model for wildlife conservation on working lands across the United States. “We have a strong vision for the future of the coalition and for the provision of guidance and services to our members as we work together to make our vision a reality,” said Ward.
The coalition also presented their inaugural awards to acknowledge the outstanding work that individuals and organizations are already doing to advance the goals of the coalition. The National Alliance of Forest Owners was honored with the Annual Compass Award, which is intended to honor an organization, agency, landowner, or land manager that has best exemplified the implementation of the Conservation Without Conflict approach in their work throughout their organization and/or their land management practices. The 2022 Conservation Without Conflict Champion of the Year was awarded to Cindy Dohner, current consultant and former Regional Director for the Southeast Region of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Conservation Without Conflict also launched their new website and communications plan, including a new logo. You can learn more by visiting www.ConservationWithoutConflict.org.