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Who We Are

One of the earliest conservation organizations in the United States

The Izaak Walton League was formed in 1922 to save outdoor America for future generations. The League's founders, who were avid anglers, chose to name the organization after Izaak Walton, the 17th century author of The Compleat Angler, one of the most famous books on fishing. We are one of the earliest conservation organizations to set an aggressive course to defend wild America by changing public policy. Almost every major, successful conservation program that America has in place today can be traced directly to a League activity or initiative.

The environment is everyone's issue. We believe that America needs smart solutions that are good for the environment and the economy at the same time. Relying on our unique blend of community-based conservation and common-sense advocacy, the League has made significant progress to protect and restore our nation's waters, promote clean energy, and advance sustainable agriculture.

Throughout more than 260 communities, our chapters advance the mission of the Izaak Walton League -- restoring watersheds, reducing air pollution, fighting litter, protecting wildlife habitat and open spaces, and instilling conservation ethics in outdoor recreationists. Our commitment to communities has allowed us to endure for more than eight decades.  Our optimism, our spirit, and our vision for a better outdoor America guide our work.

Conservation Policies

Developed by members through our democratic governance process, the League's Conservation Policies guide our work throughout the country.

Mission Statement

To conserve, maintain, protect, and restore the soil, forest, water, and other natural resources of the United States and other lands; to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to such resources and their enjoyment and wholesome utilization.

2008 IWLA Annual Report

Ikes in the Community

Conservation Policies