Blogs

Public Lands Alliance Announces New President and CEO

By Public Lands Alliance Staff posted 25 days ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, DC - The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) is pleased to announce that Andrea Ketchmark has been elected by its Board of Directors as the organization’s next President and CEO. She will start on January 31, 2026, following 16 years of service at the North Country Trail Association, including the past seven years as Executive Director.  PLA connects, strengthens, and represents nonprofit partners of America’s public lands, including parks, forests, wildlife refuges, conservation areas, and other public lands sites. These members contribute $250 million annually to the preservation and enrichment of treasured places nationwide. ...

Public Lands Alliance Shares Concerns and Impact from Ongoing Shutdown on Public Land Nonprofits

By Public Lands Alliance Staff posted 10-21-2025
For Immediate Release: Washington, D.C. –   The government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has had devastating impacts on America’s public lands and the nonprofit partners that support them. Public Lands Alliance (PLA) calls on our nation’s  leaders to come together, find common ground, and work towards a bipartisan solution that will fully reopen our national parks, forests, refuges, monuments, and other public lands without delay.   As the government shutdown continues, America’s public lands — and the communities and companies that depend on them — are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of prolonged inaction. ...

Public Lands Alliance Congratulates Brian Nesvik on his Confirmation as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

By Public Lands Alliance Staff posted 08-04-2025
Washington, DC – The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) congratulates Brian Nesvik on his confirmation as the Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. PLA Board of Directors Chair Caroline Ward released the following statement: “PLA looks forward to working with Director Nesvik to ensure the health of our national wetlands, waterways, and refuges through critical public-private partnerships. We look forward to working with the Director and his team on the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund, tackling infrastructure improvement challenges, implementation of the EXPLORE Act, and increasing opportunities for education and interpretation throughout ...

Public Lands Alliance Appoints Theresa McMullan as Interim Chief Executive Officer

By Public Lands Alliance Staff posted 06-03-2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Long-time nonprofit and corporate executive to ensure PLA continues to deliver for its membership WASHINGTON, DC –  Public Lands Alliance (PLA) announced today that Theresa McMullan, currently the organization’s Treasurer, has been named Interim Chief Executive Officer effective June 16, 2025. McMullan will take a leave of absence from the PLA Board of Directors until a permanent President and CEO of the Public Lands Alliance is selected. Dick Cohen, PLA Board Director, and President of Friends of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge will take over as Treasurer. Dan Puskar, who has served as PLA President and CEO since ...

Public Lands Alliance President and CEO Dan Puskar to Step into New Conservation Role

By Ashley Waite posted 05-12-2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, DC – Dan Puskar announced that he will resign as President and CEO of the Public Lands Alliance (PLA) on June 15 and step into a new conservation opportunity later this summer. The Board of Directors will begin a national search for his successor immediately.   “Dan has been exactly the leader Public Lands Alliance needed to catalyze its growth and elevate its impact,” said Caroline Ward, PLA Board Chair. “His vision, skillful advocacy, and remarkable communication skills have inspired countless individuals and organizations to support and protect our public lands. Most importantly, Dan has laid ...

PLA Sends Letter to Department of Interior on Federal Lease Impacts

By Shawn Swearingen posted 03-11-2025
The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) authored the letter below that was sent March 7th to the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, along with the acting-Directors of the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish & Wildlife Service. Seven other organizations joined PLA on the letter asking for an immediate pause in the termination of federal leases by the Department of the Interior and to speak up for our members who are exposed to grave and direct impacts. It is as important now as ever to keep lines of communication open between partner agencies and other groups about the important work of our members and volunteers. Thank you ...

Public Lands Alliance congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as the Secretary of Agriculture.

By Public Lands Alliance Staff posted 02-13-2025
Washington, DC – The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as the Secretary of Agriculture. PLA President and CEO Dan Puskar released the following statement: “PLA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins to ensure the health and vitality of our national forests and grasslands through critical public-private partnerships. We look forward to working with the Secretary and her team on the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund, tackling housing challenges, implementation of the EXPLORE Act, and increasing opportunities for education and interpretation throughout our national forests. We applaud the Secretary ...

Public Lands Alliance congratulates Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on his confirmation

By Public Lands Alliance Staff posted 01-31-2025
Washington, DC – The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) congratulates Doug Burgum on his confirmation as the Secretary of the Interior. PLA President and CEO Dan Puskar released the following statement:  “As Governor of North Dakota and in his confirmation hearings, Secretary Burgum underscored his long-time commitment to public lands and has highlighted the inspiration he gained from Teddy Roosevelt. PLA is eager to work with the Secretary on an array of issues he championed during his confirmation process: reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund, tackling housing challenges on federal lands, implementation of the EXPLORE Act, and increasing opportunities ...

Join the Walk for the Wild: Support National Wildlife Refuges and Protect America's Wildlife

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 10-09-2024
Join the Walk for the Wild: Support National Wildlife Refuges and Protect America's Wildlife  Washington D.C. — October 9, 2024 —   “ Wherever you meet [the National Wildlife Refuge] sign, respect it. It means that the land behind the sign has been dedicated by the American people to preserving, for themselves and their children, as much of our native wildlife as can be retained along with our modern civilization.” – Conservationist Rachel Carson    Walk, roll or paddle to your nearest wildlife refuge during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-19, 2024 and join the 3rd annual Walk for the Wild 5K Challenge . ...

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Our Members

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 09-27-2024
National Public Lands Day (NPLD), held annually on the fourth Saturday of September, is the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States. While some of the events listed below are official NPLD events registered through the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) , others are unique celebrations or service opportunities happening on public lands around the same time! Whether you’re looking to join an official NPLD event or simply spend a day giving back to your favorite public lands, there are various ways to participate and show your love for these incredible spaces this week. Colorado National Monument ...

PLA Welcomes Development and Events Manager

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 08-13-2024
We are excited to announce that Keynola Russell has joined the Public Lands Alliance as our Development and Events Manager. Keynola will help grow our fundraising efforts as an essential member of our  development operatio n.  We hope you will join us in welcoming Keynola to the team. You can learn more about her by reading her bio below.  Born in Brooklyn, NY, I moved to Albany for college and have since made it my home. I'm now just a short drive from the Adirondack Park, where I discovered my passion for the outdoors, including hiking and canoeing.  I'm excited to join the Public Lands Alliance team as the Development and Event Manager, ...

PLA Welcomes Director of Philanthropy

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 07-12-2024
We are excited to announce that Dan Fineberg has joined the Public Lands Alliance as our new Director of Philanthropy. Dan will lead our marketing and development efforts with a growth-oriented vision to support our mission and advance our fundraising goals. He brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in both private and not-for-profit organizations, most recently leading development for a global humanitarian nonprofit. "My life has been shaped through the experiences and adventures I have enjoyed on America's public lands. I am excited to now work alongside the very people and organizations who steward these breathtaking and valuable natural resources, ...

PLA Board and Leadership Updates

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 06-14-2024
The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors and the promotion of PLA staff member Amy Matthews. New Board Directors Richard Cohen Richard is a longtime leader in corporate finance who today invests his time to support the environment and his local community. His commitment to conservation and wildlife is exemplified in his service as President of the Friends of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit partner organization he founded in 2020. He also holds the role of Treasurer of the Lafayette Rotary Club.  Richard had a long career in the Global ...

Celebrate National Trails Day with Exciting Events Made Possible by PLA Members

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 06-01-2024
National Trails Day is just around the corner and Public Lands Alliance members have lined up a fantastic array of events to get everyone out and enjoying our beautiful trails. From guided hikes to community volunteer days, there's something for everyone to enjoy while giving back to our public lands.  Here’s a roundup of some of the PLA member events happening on June 1st and June 2nd, 2024! Black Hills Parks & Forests Association x SheJumps | National Trails Day Hike | South Dakota Event Date and Time: June 2, 2024, 9:00 am - 11:00 am (MDT) Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, in collaboration with SheJumps, will host a nature hike at ...

PLA Members Earth Day Round-Up

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 04-22-2024
As Earth Day swept across the nation, nonprofit members of the Public Lands Alliance banded together to host a myriad of events aimed at celebrating and preserving our planet. From California to Alaska, these organizations showcased their commitment to environmental stewardship through a diverse array of activities. Let's take a closer look at some of the highlights from these Earth Day festivities! The Southern California Mountains Foundation took part in multiple Earth Day events, including a collaborative effort with the Urban Conservation Corps to recycle used tires and electronic waste in Muscoy and Bloomington. Additionally, they joined forces with ...

The Public Lands Alliance Recognizes Nonprofits, Companies and Land Management Agency Staff at the 2024 Partnership Awards

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 04-19-2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Partnership Awards that celebrate the best in public lands partnerships. These awards honor individuals, organizations, publications, products, programs and services that embody leading edge achievements in the preservation of public lands and the enrichment the visitor experience. The 2024 award winners were announced on Thursday, April 18th in a   virtual celebration . The awards program is sponsored by Impact Photographics. A total of 14 awards were presented to individuals, organizations and companies in six categories: Public ...

PLA 2024 Convention and Trade Show Highlights Groundbreaking Innovations in Public Lands Partnerships and Outdoor Recreation

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 03-29-2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PLA 2024 Convention and Trade Show Highlights Groundbreaking Innovations in Public Lands Partnerships and Outdoor Recreation     March 2024 – The 2024 Public Lands Alliance (PLA) Convention and Trade Show showcased groundbreaking advancements in public lands management and outdoor recreation during its highly anticipated annual gathering. Hosted in San Francisco, CA, this year's convention brought together nearly 700 industry leaders, public land nonprofits, land management agencies, and business and outdoor enthusiasts to explore new strategies for enhancing the stewardship ...

PLA Welcomes New Education Program Manager

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 02-19-2024
Meet Emily Tanner, the new Education Program Manager at Public Lands Alliance! With a background deeply rooted in outdoor education and recreation, Emily is an avid hiker, camper, and backpacker. She's spent much of her career as an outdoor educator and guide, shaping her understanding of the intersection between public lands, education, and community engagement. Based in Colorado, Emily, along with her husband and children, continues to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Excited to contribute her expertise, she looks forward to collaborating with the dedicated community at Public Lands Alliance to enhance the collective impact on the preservation and promotion ...

PLA Welcomes New Staff Member

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 11-17-2023
Gaby Rojas has joined the Public Lands Alliance team as the Digital Communications Manager  of our new America’s Wildlife Refuge initiative. Gaby has been involved in communications since she was in elementary school and created a newsletter for her family to know what was going on within the household. Some of her biggest writing influences were Anthony Bourdain, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Louisa May Alcott. She worked as a freelance communications specialist while getting her degree from the University of Central Florida, where she graduated with a degree in Human Communications with a focus on Social Activism and Innovation. Since then, she was worked ...

PLA Welcomes Three New Board Directors

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 08-14-2023
The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors.  Joining the Board of Directors Aileen Utterdyke is the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Historic Parks Aileen Utterdyke joined the Arizona Memorial Museum Association in 2007 as a member of the all-volunteer board of directors. During this time, her focus was to help build a stronger organization and help with the growth and stability of Arizona Memorial Museum Association. She began her career in Public Accounting where she spent 25 years building her specialization in Not For Profit tax and accounting. ...