Izaak Walton League of America

The North American Grasslands Conservation Act would encourage voluntary conservation, recognizing the collaborative role of ranchers, farmers, Tribal Nations, government agencies and outdoorsmen and women. Modeled after the highly successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act, this legislation would provide funding through a landowner-driven, voluntary, incentive-based program to conserve and restore threated grasslands.

The League announced an ambitious plan to leverage its strengths that have been hallmarks of the organization since its founding in 1922: community-based conservation, volunteer science and advocacy.

In the current Sackett vs. EPA case, the Supreme Court is considering what the proper test should be for determining when wetlands are “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. The Sackett’s proposed test could deny federal protections to more than half of all wetlands in the country. Our brief argues that this test is unsupported by the text, structure, and stated purposed of the Act. The Izaak Walton League of America is proud to stand with our partners in this amicus brief.

In 1922, a group of concerned anglers and hunters gathered in Chicago to create an organization that would stop the destruction and degradation of America’s streams, natural areas and wildlife habitat. Today, the League continues to face down increasingly dire threats to the nation’s land, waters and natural resources including climate change, pollution and loss of habitat. As League envisions a second century of work, it’s worth noting some of its achievements since 1922, which include now-established, bedrock conservation practices, policies and laws that protect outdoor America.

For nearly a century, the League has been fighting for conservation for the Upper Mississippi, including in the Driftless Area. By promoting the transition to regenerative agriculture and reducing nutrient runoff, the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative Act would improve water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor rec throughout this unique landscape.