The Nature Conservancy Supports Recommendations of the Outdoor Resources Review Group

ARLINGTON, VA— July 6, 2009 —The Nature Conservancy applauds the “Great Outdoors America” report released today by the Outdoor Recreation Review Group (ORRG).

Bob Bendick, Director of U.S. Government Relations for the Conservancy, stated:

“’Great Outdoors America’ presents important and timely recommendations for conservation in our country at a critical time in its history. The Conservancy had the opportunity to present proposals to the ORRG at several points in its deliberations, and we are very pleased with the result. In our view ORRG’s proposals of particular importance include:

• Permanently dedicating funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund at least $3.2 billion annually
• Implementing regional or landscape scale conservation across Federal agency boundaries and in cooperation with state governments, non-profit organizations and private landowners
• Including funding to help protect natural areas from the impacts of climate change in any comprehensive conservation program
• Strengthening the ability of Federal agencies and institutions to plan for and implement effective land and water conservation programs
• Better engaging young people in outdoor activities, in part to create a new generation of conservationists

“We are grateful to Senators Jeff Bingaman and Lamar Alexander, the Honorary Co-Chairs of ORRG, and to the Co-chairs and the members for this very valuable set of recommendations. Given the growing threats to America’s land and water and the importance of healthy natural resources to our lives and communities, The Nature Conservancy supports inclusion of these or similar proposals in Presidential initiatives and in legislation pending before the Congress.”

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.