Black Diamond Equipment, Eagles Nest Outfitters and The Forest Group have been selected as the winners of The Conservation Alliance Outstanding Partnership Award for 2014. The award recognizes member companies who go above and beyond in building relationships with Conservation Alliance grantees.


 

All Conservation Alliance grantees from the past two years were invited to nominate member companies for recognition. Each nomination described how the company engaged in a meaningful partnership to help the organization succeed in its conservation work.

 

 

“The Outstanding Partnership Award brings to light the commitment our members have for the work of our grantees,” said John Sterling, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. “We are thrilled to celebrate the direct interaction between our members and the conservation groups in their communities. By telling their stories, we hope to encourage more of these partnerships.”
 

Grantee Wild South nominated Eagles Nest Outfitters, Inc. (ENO) for a partnership that has spanned many years and is based on a mutual passion and respect for protecting our wild places.

 

 

“ENO has become one of THE voices for southern – especially Southeastern – conservation and has been an outstanding partner of Wild South for years,” said Ben Colvin, Development Director, Wild South. “Eagles Nest Outfitters not only recognize that having places to recreate means their products are more heavily used, but also ENO’s personal beliefs and passions also reflect Wild South’s mission – inspire people to ENJOY, VALUE and PROTECT.”

 

 

Black Diamond Equipment, based in Salt Lake City, was nominated by both Southern Utah Wilderness Association (SUWA) and Greater Yellowstone Conservation Coalition (GYC). Black Diamond has been a long-time supporter and advocate for both organizations.

 

 

“Black Diamond is a Conservation Alliance partner, helping fund the conservation work of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition as well as other conservation organizations across the nation,” said Donna Watson Lawson, GYC. “We are in awe of the company’s commitment to organizations such as ours, and we cannot say enough about our appreciation of their partnership and their vision for a better future in conservation.”

 

 

“Black Diamond has consistently and courageously been a partner in working to protect Utah’s wild places,” said Deeda Seed, SUWA. “In particular, Black Diamond has stood with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance with undaunted advocacy for protection of Utah’s Redrock Wilderness.  The company has manifested this commitment in every way that matters.”

 

 

The Forest Group, an Outdoor Industry executive search firm based in Lotus, CA, was nominated by grantee American River Conservancy (ARC) for its invaluable support, advocacy and local, on-the-ground involvement in protecting the rivers of California.

 

 

“The Forest Group has been an excellent partner and advocate for the American River Conservancy, both locally and as a national voice for ARC as a member of The Conservation Alliance,” said Elena DaLacy, ARC.

 

 

Beginning on Friday, May 16, The Conservation Alliance will profile an Outstanding Partnership story on the Alliance blog (www.conservationalliance.com/blog). The Outstanding Partnership Award is an annual initiative.

 

The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses that support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment. Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed close to $13 million to grassroots conservation groups. Alliance funding has helped save more than 42 million acres of wildlands; protect 2,825 miles of rivers; stop or remove 26 dams; designate five marine reserves; and purchase nine climbing areas.