Advocacy

From its inception, the League and its members have been advocates for conserving, protecting and enjoying our country’s incredible array of natural resources.  Our active engagement coupled with a practical approach to problem solving has made a difference from town halls to the halls of Congress for more than 85 years. The Advocacy section of this Web site provides the tools, information, and other resources you need to affect public policy — from the nation's capital to your home town.

Key Issues to Take Action on Now! Read about critical conservation issues that we need your help with now.

Conservation Funding Takes Significant Hit in House – There is widespread agreement within the hunting and angling community that conservation funding and programs will be trimmed to contribute to a comprehensive effort to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit.  There is equally strong agreement that this funding and core programs should not bear a disproportionate share of the burden.  As the U.S. House develops and passes annual appropriations bills funding conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental protection, there is cause for serious concern.  Read more about proposed cuts and their impacts.

League Speaks Out Against Damaging Conservation Cuts: IWLA Executive Director David Hoskins joined other national hunting, angling, and conservation group leaders to speak out against deep cuts in federal funding for conservation investments. (See video for highlight clips from press conference.)

Conservation Policy Priorities for 2011: The more than 38,000 members of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) are committed to advancing common sense policies that conserve wildlife and habitat, support community-based conservation, and promote outdoor recreation.  In 2011, the League’s conservation policy priorities fall within five broad categories, including improving agricultural conservation, safeguarding clean water, restoring the Missouri and Upper Mississippi Rivers, promoting a clean energy future, and conserving natural resources at home and abroad.  Read more about the League’s conservation policy priorities.

2012 Budget Debate Begins: On February 14, 2011, President Obama submitted a proposed federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2012 to Congress. In general, the budget request is positive for conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental protection; however, proposed cuts in critical agriculture conservation programs are counterproductive.  Funding for conservation could be on the chopping block in Congress, and the League and our members will need to defend investments that make sense for taxpayers, fish and wildlife, and the environment. Read more about the President's request for League priorities.

Testimony on Federal Funding Priorities: Each year, Congress develops appropriations bills that fund government agencies and programs.  This process provides the League with the opportunity to weigh in on its priorities across a range of issues.  Follow the links below to read testimony submitted by the League to committees in the U.S. House and Senate.

Agriculture – Senate (PDF)
Clean Water – House (PDF), Senate (PDF)
Fish and Wildlife – House (PDF), Senate (PDF)
River Restoration – Upper Mississippi and Missouri – Senate (PDF), House (PDF)

America's Great Outdoors: On February 16, 2011, President Obama released the final report of his America’s Great Outdoors initiative. The report outlines a 21st century vision for conservation in America that encompasses public and private lands, places a renewed emphasis on urban parks, prioritizes our waters as recreational and community resources, and commits to long-term investment in conservation and outdoor recreation. The report is an encouraging step forward with specific recommendations to address pressing problems and capitalize on new conservation opportunities. Although the League may not endorse every recommendation or action step, the report provides a good road map for the future. The following is a general overview of the major issues and recommendations addressed in the report: America's Great Outdoors Report Summary.