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Select Comments from Nature Conservancy Supporters
Today, I received my copy of the "Aspects Of Nature Conservancy Work Examined By The Media" document. I greatly appreciate having received it. When the Post story broke, I was quite taken aback to be certain. The story was especially troubling because I was poised to quadruple my monthly pledge. At the same time, I knew that The Nature Conservancy’s reputation and track record speak for themselves and felt secure in the knowledge that the other side of the story would be revealed in due course.
The "Aspects Of Nature Conservancy" document strikes me as balanced on the whole and is a heartening read to be sure. Please pass along to those in charge my congratulations for their courage in taking a strong introspective look at The Nature Conservancy’s past and future. The resulting changes are consistent in every way both with remaining faithful to the Conservancy's missions and structuring its policies and procedures to fend off attacks by anti-environmental groups which would seek to destroy its impressive pattern of success.
Corbett Kroehler
Orlando, FL
I just wanted to say thank-you for taking the integrity of our organization so seriously, even though I don't believe there is a problem with any of your policies. I am constantly encouraged by your innovativeness and especially the allies (both traditional and non) that you enlist in the conservation movement. This is one member whose faith in The Nature Conservancy is even stronger.
Robert E. Anthony
Grand Junction, CO
The Nature Conservancy’s responses to the Post's articles are first rate. Congratulations! I still have faith in the fundamental importance of our work and in The Nature Conservancy’s ability to get some vital things done.
Graham Hood
Hudgins, VA
Thank you for sending me information about the Conservancy's response to public criticism regarding its policies. Several weeks ago I requested information from our Washington State chapter, and they sent me a document about the meeting of the Board of Governors in June. I was encouraged by the Conservancy's openness and honesty and quick response in addressing these concerns. I have been a member of the Washington Chapter for several years, and I remain committed to the Conservancy. The work that the Conservancy does is inspiring; thanks for all you do.
Barbara Hainley
Seattle, WA
It is important for an organization like The Nature Conservancy to constantly try new approaches to old problems in order to find new solutions. Some experiments will work, others won't. Where they fail the organization learns and grows stronger. While self-review and introspection are always positive, please do not over react in any way to this situation. My support is as strong as ever.
Rob Pickell
Corona del Mar, CA
Thank you for your thorough response of June 19 to my May 24 letter. The Nature Conservancy is such a splendid idea that nothing should be allowed to weaken its mission. I am delighted to see that you and the Board have moved forcefully to strengthen procedures, eliminate conflicts of interest, and avoid even the appearance of questionable activities.
George B. Blake
Littleton, CO
I am fortunate enough to live very near a Conservancy refuge here in Central Florida; the Lake Wales Ridge area. I have had the pleasure of dancing with a pair of sandhill cranes, having a doe bring her twin fawns to graze on my lawn at dusk and seeing a bald eagle fish on Lake Hatchineha, all directly attributable to your efforts. Many thanks from both myself and my neighbors for all your hard work.
Sharon Dykes
Lake Wales, Florida
Why The Nature Conservancy works can perhaps best be evinced by considering why Ralph Nader isn’t in the White House—absolutes do not work in the real world.
Marvin E. Kahn
Darnestown, Maryland
The Nature Conservancy has made some mistakes. But is this surprising in this daring and risky venture? As Steven Pearlstein said later in the Post, The Nature Conservancy justifiably dealt with oil and timber companies. But, mistakes are another thing. In the total picture, are they overwhelming, excessive, average, typical or insignificant? Later, impartial investigation may sort this out.
Stuart Finley
Falls Church, VA
I have always been a Nature Conservancy supporter and do periodic volunteer work at nearby Falls Ridge Preserve. Many of The Post’s “criticisms” are why I ardently support The Nature Conservancy — your willingness to see both sides of an issue and compromise with industry and government. I do not see allowing managed forestry operations or even drilling on Conservancy holdings as being antithetical to Nature Conservancy goals.
Paul D. Ross, Jr.
Riner, Virginia
It is difficult to change an organizational culture. Admitting errors in judgement and correcting past practices are positive first steps, and I am pleased to note on The Nature Conservancy website that this has occurred. Great focus and effort will be required in the future in order to return The Nature Conservancy to its respected place in the environmental community.
When a family is in crisis, its members stick together and help to weather the storm. As a Legacy Club member, I will continue to support The Nature Conservancy in my estate plan. At the same time, I will be following with great hope and anticipation the positive resolution of this unfortunate situation.
Benton Elliott
Eugene, Oregon
To get desired results requires creativity. Problems can arise. These days, as in past, things can be misconstrued. This incident may prove helpful in avoiding future problems. Stay vigilant.
I continue, through what you’ve said, to be a loyal fan of The Nature Conservancy.
Christine Manwaring
Syracuse, New York
My faith in The Nature Conservancy was badly shaken by the newspaper articles in May but as long as your organization is staffed and represented by such superior people as those we encountered at Pine Butte Swamp Preserve, I’ll be happy to remain as a regular supporter.
I hope the much-needed policy reforms at The Nature Conservancy will be implemented quickly and adopted permanently. I also hope the upcoming meetings in the DC area will assist in facilitating that process. I’ll continue to follow the Conservancy's progress with interest because no other environmental organization is as well equipped to meet today’s urgent conservation challenges in such a unique way.
Victoria F. Shelar
Norfolk, Virginia
I received both your letters regarding The Post impending article and current series.
Please be assured The Nature Conservancy will always receive my personal and financial support. I know what great work and accomplishments you have achieved over the years.
Sylvia Ramsey
Columbia, Maryland
Your May 19 reaction to the Post attack on the Conservancy is certainly in order but it leaves me wondering if you are really getting down to where the cookie crumbles. Could the real problem be that the Conservancy is adapting a game plan that others have assumed only they are permitted to utilize? And being open about it sheds light on strategies that the established interests would prefer the public remains unaware of. Left unchallenged, The Nature Conservancy may feel its oats even to the extent of focusing on the Alaskan oil reserve area!
John H. Woodburn
Amherst, Virginia
If the Post is on your case, you must be doing something right, keep it up. I’ll double my contribution next year. If the New York Times does a hack piece on the Conservancy, I’ll double it again. Keep up the good work.
Lindsay Olsen
Leawood, KS
