What’s Next?

That’s what everyone is asking after Tuesday’s election results. In my time with The Conservation Fund, I have seen administrations that leaned into our mission and those that have leaned away. I have seen economies that have allowed for more financial resources to flow to conservation and economies where people and institutions were focused on other things. Through it all, I’m confident in our ability to deliver on our mission thanks to our unique strengths. 

First, our work is for all Americans. Conservation is not red or blue. While approaches and priorities might differ, all Americans want clean air and water, thriving wildlife, economic resilience and special places protected. Referendum results from across the country this week bear this out — from California, where voters approved billions in funding for water, wildlife and land protection, to Martin County, Florida, which passed a sales tax increase to purchase land for conservation. 

Second, The Conservation Fund is uniquely positioned to respond to challenges and adapt to uncertainty. Our dual mandate to drive both land protection and economic vitality has shaped a brand of conservation that is powerful, bipartisan and effective. We know that business goals and environmental objectives aren’t incompatible, they’re inextricable. Environmentalism without economic progress has no engine.  And economic progress that isn’t environmentally sustainable has no future. Our disciplined, flexible business model supports transformational conservation to benefit people, nature and communities across America. 

Finally, we have you. Our supporters make this transformational work possible. You’ve helped us protect millions of acres, thousands of jobs, countless wildlife habitats and so much more.  

No matter what comes next, I know that together, we can protect the places and spaces that sustain us, and do the conservation work that advances America.