The Conservation Alliance kicked off a new major donor program at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City with help from some industry luminaries.
The Leading Edge program provides the opportunity for individuals to make a significant contribution to support The Conservation Alliance’s efforts to protect wild places throughout North America for their recreation and habitat values.
To be part of the Leading Edge, individuals must commit to contribute $5,000 annually for at least three years. Each of the initial Leading Edge donors is a long-time industry leader who has, through a lifetime of active commitment to conservation, earned the respect of the outdoor industry. Most are either founders of The Conservation Alliance, or have served on the organization’s board of directors. The initial Leading Edgers are: Yvon Chouinard; Steve and Nona Barker; Sally McCoy; Peter Metcalf; Adam Forest; Rory Fuerst; Matt Hyde; Steve Meineke; Steve Rendle; Kirk Richardson; and Casey Sheahan.
“We are fortunate to have friends like these who have committed so much of their time and expertise to help build The Conservation Alliance,” said John Sterling, Conservation Alliance Executive Director. “Now we will benefit from their personal generosity.”
“I am happy to help launch the Leading Edge, support conservation, and create a stronger tradition of personal philanthropy within our industry,” said Sally McCoy, former CEO of CamelBak, and chair of The Conservation Alliance board. “Wild places are so important to the outdoor industry, and supporting The Conservation Alliance is an effective way to ensure these places are protected.”
The Leading Edge is now open to anyone who is interested in supporting The Conservation Alliance. Donors may direct their contributions to either the organization’s grant fund (to directly support conservation projects), or to the discretionary fund (to help cover The Conservation Alliance’s lean operating expenses).
“Serving on The Conservation Alliance board brought great meaning to my work in the outdoor industry, and I am honored to have the opportunity to give something back,” said Casey Sheahan, former CEO of Patagonia, and, like McCoy, chair of The Conservation Alliance board. “When industry leaders founded The Conservation Alliance in 1989, they understood that conservation is a core value for our business. The Conservation Alliance has been a remarkable steward of that value ever since.”
“Time and again, outdoor industry leaders have demonstrated a willingness to work together to advance the causes foundational to the industry,” said Sterling. “Conservation is one of those shared values, and the Leading Edge will provide a lasting vehicle for industry leaders to express their personal commitment to protecting our wild places.”
Those interested in the Leading Edge should contact John Sterling, whose information can be found here.
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas.
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 the natural environment.
Since its inception in 1989, The Conservation Alliance has contributed more than $16 million to grassroots conservation groups. Alliance funding has helped save more than 45 million acres of wildlands; protect 2,972 miles of rivers; stop or remove 28 dams; designate five marine reserves and purchase 11 climbing areas.
Photo courtesy The Conservation Alliance. Pictured left to right, initial Leading Edge donors Kirk Richardson, Steve Meineke, Matt Hyde, Steve Barker, Peter Metcalf, Adam Forest, Sally McCoy, Steve Rendle and Casey Sheahan.
