Programs

DNR SUPPORTS CONSERVATION FUND IN LAUNCHING NATURAL RESOURCES LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

BATON ROUGE—Louisiana Department of Natural Resources' officials joined forces with other agencies charged with conservation, resource management and outdoor recreation to form a bi-partisan organization aimed at building partnerships between the states and the federal government to enhance the management and conservation of America's natural resources. Until now, there has not been a formal organization to take a comprehensive view of natural resource protection. This unique organization, called the Natural Resources Leadership Council of the States (NRLCS), recently received its approval from the National Governors Association to formally organize.

The Council has already begun to track several key federal programs that impact natural resources. In addition to providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, the organization hopes to foster a better understanding of the challenges and accomplishments of state natural resources agencies.

"In a time of severe budget restrictions, it is critical that the states and federal agencies develop partnerships to share innovative ideas and solve common problems," said Secretary Jack Caldwell of LA Department of Natural Resources. "Certainly, NRLCS will provide the means to make that happen." Caldwell is Louisiana's representative on the Council.

"Today, individual states are emerging as the leaders in a new era of conservation and environmental protection. From managing public lands to aiding in the recovery of endangered species, the leadership is increasingly coming from state agencies," said recently elected NRLCS President Greg Walcher, who is the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

"Our goal is to build better partnerships with federal agencies and to provide a forum for states to learn more about effective, productive and innovative state-led approaches to conservation." Walcher said.

"The new Natural Resources Leadership Council of the States undoubtedly will be a leading national partner in carrying out the 4C's — cooperation, consultation and communication, all in the service of conservation," said Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, who joined with The Conservation Fund to host the first gathering of state officials. "Partnerships are truly priorities at the Interior Department. The state-federal collaboration that NRLCS will foster will be one the strongest tools ever invented to ensure conservation of natural resources. We are thankful for the visionary leadership of The Conservation Fund."

The Conservation Fund, with support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, brought together natural resources directors from 45 states last fall to discuss innovative partnerships and multi-state collaborations, stewardship and management of public lands and opportunities to work more collaboratively with the federal agencies. Because of the overwhelming support, a follow-up meeting in April 2002 was organized to help the state directors establish a formal organization of state natural resource agency leaders.

"Land and water conservation in the 21st century will be led by the states," said Larry Selzer, president of The Conservation Fund. "We are very proud to have assisted America's natural resource leaders in creating this new organization."

Editors for more information, call Jack Lynn at 703/683-2996 (ajlynn@aol.com).