I'm on the Board of the National Conservation Lands Foundation because it was started by my father, one of the great leaders of the American environmental protection movement. I support all my dad's fantastic work in conservation.

Many people don't know it but a lot of our greatest natural and scenic treasures are not protected within the National Park System. Millions of acres of our most treasured publicly owned lands are managed under a different system, the National Landscape Conservation System. The NCLF is the only organization in the country dedicated solely to conserving these 28 million acres These lands are composed of National Conservation Areas, National Monuments, Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Scenic and Historic Trails. The National Conservation Lands consist of the last places where you can experience the history of the American West. From the rivers which Lewis and Clark explored, to pioneer trails, to Native American sites, the heritage and beauty of these places are safeguarded for all of us to see.

Unfortunately, these lands are increasingly threatened by vandalism, looting, oil and gas drilling and irresponsible recreation. The Conservation Lands Foundation is working to protect, restore and expand the National Conservation Lands by:

• Providing grants and trainings to local Partner groups throughout the nation who are working to safeguard the National Conservation Lands;


• Working with Congress and the Bureau of Land Management to help shape the future of the National Conservation Lands; and


• Promoting greater public awareness of, and appreciation for, the National Conservation Lands and the irreplaceable human and natural history contain therein.

This is a great effort and a great organization made up of mostly local heroes...people who give their time and energy to protect the special places in their own local communities.

Edward Norton