ARLINGTON, VA | July 18, 2016
The Nature Conservancy released the following statement from Lynn Scarlett, the organization's Global Managing Director for Public Policy, today in response to recent proposals to transfer federal lands to states:

"The Nature Conservancy strongly supports the vital role that federal ownership and stewardship of federal lands plays in pursuit of real conservation outcomes that serve both the people and plants and animals that depend on them.

"We are deeply concerned by recent discussions about the transfer of federal lands to states. As we celebrate the Centennial of the National Park Service in 2016, we hope all Americans will take time to reflect on and celebrate our federally managed lands, parks, forests, and open spaces. These areas are available today for the use and enjoyment of all Americans as national assets. Federal lands provide unparalleled opportunities for Americans to recreate and to connect with the outdoors and nature. The recreation opportunities are critical, and the ecological importance of these federally managed lands cannot be overstated.

"Our mission at The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Public lands, including federally managed lands, and the large, intact habitats they provide, are central to achieving this mission. Our federal public land management agencies are uniquely authorized and are well-qualified to manage public lands for a full suite of desired outcomes that serve both the people and the plants and animals that depend on them.

"Federally managed lands are central to our identity and way of life in America. We acknowledge frustration and concerns, specifically in rural communities in the West where the land base is largely under federal management and ownership, and are committed to working together with federal land management agencies and stakeholders to improve management of these lands. The Nature Conservancy believes that we will realize the best results – for people and nature – when we tackle difficult challenges together. Efforts focused on relinquishment of federal lands to states overlook the national significance of these lands and turn attention away from the significant progress made in enhancing collaboration among federal agencies, states, tribes, and local communities to achieve shared outcomes.

"Polls demonstrate that an overwhelming majority of Americans support keeping federal lands in federal ownership. We call on leaders at all levels to reject efforts to transfer federally managed lands away from federal ownership."


The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the web at www.nature.org. To learn about the Conservancy's global initiatives, visit www.nature.org/global. To keep up with current Conservancy news, follow @nature_press on Twitter.