Wildlife Leader: Newsletter for NWF Affiliates

 Larry's Corner: Welcome Renewable Resources Coalition

National Wildlife Federation welcomes the Renewable Resources Coalition (RRC) as our newest affiliate and our conservation partner in the state of Alaska.  RRC’s mission is “to preserve and protect the ongoing viability of Alaska’s abundant fishing and hunting resources and the lands and waters they need to survive.” 

Currently, RRC is working to preserve the renewable resources of the Bristol Bay watershed. This area is renowned for its clean water, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife, and it is home to the world’s largest wild salmon fishery.  Producing almost one third of all Alaskan salmon, this region is critical to local commercial and sport fisheries, as well as native communities.  The salmon and rainbow trout populations attract international attention from anglers, and the watershed’s combined renewable resources contribute $400 million annually to Alaska’s economy.  However, proposed development of what could be the world’s largest open-pit gold and copper mine threatens the integrity of these resources.  Click here to read more. 

• Check out Larry's blog: "Larry Schweiger's View" at nwf.org

 Affiliate Spotlight

A recent court ruling in Texas is a big step in protecting a huge conservation victory by a coalition led by NWF affiliate Texas Conservation Alliance.  The Alliance generated input from 20,000 people and media coverage in more than 50 media outlets in support of designating a new national wildlife refuge.  Citing the public support as a factor in the decision, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director Dale Hall approved the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge in June 2006.  The City of Dallas and the Texas Water Development Board promptly sued, seeking to keep the site for a reservoir they say may be needed fifty years from now.  Click here to read more.  By: Janice Bezanson, Executive Director, Texas Conservation Alliance

Affiliate Toolbox

If you are looking for some guidance to help you sort through some of the more common challenges with running a non-profit, you might consider a subscription to the Board Cafe - An electronic newsletter for members of nonprofit boards of directors. This is a great resource that is a quick read and full of ideas, information, opinion, news, and resources to help board members give and get the most out of board service.

To get an idea for what the newsletter is like, click on this link.  This will take you to an archive of over 90 great issues. These issues include articles on Board Committees, Board assessment, ED job evaluations, Board Governance, finance and fund-raising. Enjoy!

 National Wildlife Federation News

Click on a region to read local news:

• Alaska
• Great Lakes  (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI)
• Gulf States  (AR, IA, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX)
• Northeast  (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT)
• Northern Rockies  (ID, MT, ND, SD)
• Rocky Mountains  (AZ, CO, NE, NM, NV, UT, WY)
• Southeast  (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, SC , TN)
• Midatlantic / Chesapeake  (DC, DE, MD, NC, PA, VA, WV)
• Western  (CA, HI, OR, WA)

National Wildlife Federation's State Affiliates

NWF's state affiliates are autonomous statewide organizations which support the purposes and objectives of NWF. Affiliates operate on the grassroots level by working to educate, encourage,and facilitate the conservation efforts of their distinct bases of members and supporters. Affiliation is a voluntary relationship between the state organization and NWF, and there is only one NWF affiliate per state. NWF's nationwide network of 47 state affiliates is also responsible for electing key members of NWF's leadership and setting NWF's conservation policy priorities through an annual resolution process.