Izaak Walton League of America

Protecting What Matters Most

For more than a century, the Izaak Walton League of America has worked to safeguard the lands, waters and wildlife that define our outdoor heritage. As we step into a new presidential administration and new congressional session, the urgency to act has never been greater.

Across the country, water pollution, habitat loss and climate change continue to threaten the natural resources that sustain us. But we are not bystanders. For over a hundred years, the League’s members have been advocates, stewards and protectors of the great outdoors.

Our goal is clear: secure long-term conservation success through decisive policy action, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving natural world.

Call to Action

The road ahead is challenging. But no problem is unsolvable and in every case we know precisely what policy is needed. Our priorities are rooted in science and driven by the commitment of outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists and everyday Americans who recognize the value of leaving a better outdoor America for future generations.

Together, we can achieve the following:

• Pass a conservation-focused Farm Bill that prioritizes soil health, wetland restoration, and reductions in agricultural runoff to protect waterways.


• Restore Clean Water Act protections to ensure that wetlands and tributary streams remain safeguarded from pollution and degradation.


• Enact the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to provide critical funding for proactive wildlife conservation, keeping species from reaching endangered status.


• Support legislation for grassland conservation to preserve one of our nation’s most imperiled ecosystems, vital for biodiversity and carbon storage.


• Expand investments in clean energy infrastructure while ensuring responsible siting that minimizes harm to wildlife habitats.


• Fund large-scale ecosystem restoration in critical watersheds such as the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, Mississippi River and Ohio River to reverse decades of pollution and habitat loss.


• Oppose efforts to privatize or sell off federal public lands, keeping millions of acres open for recreation and conservation.


• Strengthen grassroots advocacy and conservation programs that empower local communities to take an active role in protecting their natural resources.

Transforming Agriculture for Future Generations

Farming is at the heart of America, but without sustainable practices, our land and water resources suffer. The Farm Bill is more than an agricultural policy; it’s really a clean water, wildlife and climate mitigation bill. By implementing policies that support healthy soil, clean water and resilient landscapes, we can create a system that benefits farmers, consumers and the environment.

Action: We must push for conservation incentives. Two examples: the "Good Farmer Discount" that encourages practices that build healthier soils and reduce water pollution and a State and Tribal Soil Health Grant Program that helps producers transition to more regenerative farming practices.

Protecting and Improving Drinking Water

Water sustains all life and is the north star for the League’s conservation efforts. Yet pollution from industry, agriculture and urban development continues to compromise drinking water across the nation. Recent court rulings, such as Sackett v. EPA, have stripped protections from vital wetlands and tributary streams, leaving the drinking water for millions of Americans vulnerable to life-threatening pollution.

Action: We need congressional action to restore the Clean Water Act’s authority, ensuring that all waterways remain protected and safe for human consumption and wildlife.

Conserving Fish, Wildlife and Habitats

From the songbirds in our backyards to the game species that define our hunting traditions, wildlife populations are struggling. More than 12,000 species are at risk due to habitat destruction and climate change. Without intervention, we risk losing the biodiversity that keeps ecosystems healthy and resilient.

Action:

• Advocate for the passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which would provide dedicated funding to state wildlife agencies for proactive conservation efforts.


• Support new legislation focused on grassland conservation and restoration, ensuring these endangered ecosystems can continue to provide unmatched carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat benefits.

Tackling the Climate Crisis with Natural Solutions

Climate change threatens every aspect of our environment, from rising sea levels to extreme weather patterns. While reducing emissions is essential, so is harnessing the power of nature to mitigate climate impacts. Wetlands, forests, grasslands and healthy soils act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing harmful emissions and providing resilience against climate disruptions.

Action:

• Advocate for investments in renewable energy infrastructure that prioritize ecosystem- and wildlife-friendly siting.


• Expand conservation efforts to protect and restore wetlands and grasslands, maximizing their ability to capture carbon and safeguard biodiversity. Grow the adoption of regenerative farming practices that leave carbon in healthy soils instead of releasing it into the atmosphere every planting season.

Preserving America's Iconic Ecosystems

Some of our most cherished landscapes are under siege—from pollution, invasive species and the relentless push for development. The Mississippi and Ohio rivers, the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes are ecological treasures and economic powerhouses, yet they remain at risk. America’s 640 million acres of public lands are under attack—from underfunding of management programs to undermining the legitimacy of these national treasures.

Action:

• Secure long-term funding for restoration initiatives in key watersheds.


• Defend federal public lands from efforts to transfer ownership to state or private entities, ensuring continued public access and conservation protections.

Defending Conservation Progress

Decades of hard-fought conservation victories are under constant threat. Attempts to dismantle bedrock environmental laws, divert conservation funding and open protected lands to development jeopardize the progress we’ve made over the last 100 years.

Actions

• Stand firm against efforts to weaken the Clean Water Act and other bedrock environmental laws.


• Ensure that funding for conservation programs remains intact and protected from political interference.

How You Can Make a Difference

Conservation isn’t just the responsibility of policymakers—it’s a collective effort for all of us. The power to protect our environment rests with individuals willing to take action.

Here’s how you can contribute:

• Be an advocate: Call your representatives, use League action alerts and make your voice heard on key conservation policies.


• Monitor water quality: Join the League’s network of volunteer scientists working to track and address pollution in local streams and rivers.


• Engage with your local chapter and partners: Whether it’s restoring habitat, advocating for policy change or educating your community, your involvement matters.

Together, we can shape the future of outdoor America. By standing up for clean water, abundant wildlife and thriving landscapes, we ensure that future generations will have the same opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural world as we do today.