Government Relations

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We are the national voice for the nonprofit partners of America’s public lands.


PLA members are nonprofit organizations that have a formal partnership with a land management agency to support parks, forests, refuges, conservation areas and other public lands sites. They serve 600+ public lands and contribute more than $250 million annually to their preservation and enrichment.

By working with our members, we aim to strengthen policies and legislation that enhance public lands partnerships in order to protect America’s natural and cultural heritage.

We are nonpartisan in our education and advocacy and we endeavor to share the significance and value of public lands with leaders from every political stripe.

Read our "Partnership Priorities for America's Public Lands."

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PLA is able to stand up for public lands in part thanks to the Our Voices, Our Lands Fund.

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Our Priorities


Strengthening Public Lands Partnerships

PLA advocates for government actions that recognize and leverage the resources, expertise and skills of nonprofit partner organizations. PLA works with land management agencies to streamline effective partnership agreements, beneficial policies and procedures that promote the development and long-term success of nonprofit – public partnerships. PLA also encourages opportunities to authorize nonprofit partners to leverage and expand upon public funding to achieve their shared missions.

Funding and Stewarding Public Lands

Public lands belong to the American people. PLA believes the government must responsibly fund the land management agencies that administer them, ensuring sufficient funds to address critical operations, staffing, and infrastructure. Nonprofit partners are essential to helping public lands adapt to the effects of climate change, to ensuring public lands are models for environmental sustainability, and to providing opportunities for the American people to help steward them for the benefit of future generations.

Equitable Access to Public Lands

Public lands should be accessible to the entire American public, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. PLA supports policies and programs that that empower diverse communities to enter and feel welcome in the public lands of which they are part owners.


News and Updates

Congress Passes Historic Investment In America's Public Lands

The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) releases the following statement from President and CEO Dan Puskar: "The Great American Outdoors Act will do more to ensure the preservation, vibrancy, and accessibility ...

PLA Congratulates Senate on Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act

SILVER SPRING – The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) releases the following statement from President and CEO Dan Puskar: "The Public Lands Alliance supports the Great American Outdoors Act for its commitment ...

Testimony
PLA President and CEO Dan Puskar testifies on deferred maintenance needs and potential solutions before the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources.

Advocacy Toolkit

PLA Members have access to resources designed by PLA and subject matter experts. The toolkit includes webinars, templates and guidance that enhance nonprofit abilities to advocate for public lands.

Access the Toolkit