Highly Quotable
“Maybe you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth, but like every American, you carry a deed to 635 million acres of public lands. That’s right. Even if you don’t own a house or the latest computer on the market, you own Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and many other natural treasures.”
— John Garamendi, U.S. Representative
Founded in 1977, the Public Lands Alliance is “a unified, powerful community dedicated to the preservation, enrichment, and enjoyment of America’s most treasured places.” Members of the alliance serve more than 675 public land sites across the country with their land management agency partners, and they raise $250 million annually to support those places.
The vision of the Public Lands Alliance, according to its website? “We work for the day when America’s public lands are understood and appreciated, preserved and conserved and enjoyed by all.” Priorities include:
- Strengthening public lands partnerships.
- Funding and stewarding public lands.
- Equitable access to public lands.
The alliance works to connect public land partners with agency leaders and socially conscious businesses, as well as with one another through a peer network. It aims to strengthen this community through education, training, and other programs. And it represents its members when it advocates for public lands with elected officials and other policy makers.
Members of the alliance are existing or emerging 501(c)(3) nonprofits partnering with federal, state, and local land management agencies to protect and preserve parks, forests, and more. Members generate $250 million in grants, programs, and contributions every year. Members might include friends groups or foundations, educational partners, nonprofits supporting volunteer and youth engagement, and more.
The Public Lands Alliance also hosts an annual convention and trade show. The next opportunity to attend will be Feb. 22 to 26, 2026, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The organization states, “By working with our members, we aim to strengthen policies and legislation that enhance public lands partnerships in order to protect America’s natural and cultural heritage.”
For more information, visit www.publiclandsalliance.org. RM
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