2013 Land Trust Advocacy Day
Highlights
- Video of remarks from Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
- Photo highlights in our Facebook gallery (be sure to tag yourself/like the photos)
The second annual Land Trust Advocacy Day took place on March 12-13, 2013. Seventy two land trust executive directors and board members from 18 states had an
incredible 155 meetings with key members of the Agriculture, Appropriations and tax-writing committees that could decide the fate of billions of dollars for land conservation. Our goal was to demonstrate the widespread support for land conservation programs throughout the country, and the growing influence of the land trust community.
Event Overview
Advocacy Day events included an afternoon of training, dinner keynoted by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), breakfast on the Hill with a speech from Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), lobby visits with 155 Congressional offices, and an informal happy hour.
During the afternoon training session, the 46 participating groups were welcomed to the news that Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT) had introduced S. 526, legislation to make the enhanced easement permanent. The next day, these groups asked their Senators to cosponsor this and similar house legislation.
Overall we scheduled 155 meetings, including at least 47 where the Senator or Representative personally attended. The meetings were highly targeted, including members of the following committees:
- 36 House Ways & Means and Senate Finance Committee members
- 33 Appropriations Committee members
- 28 Agriculture Committee members
- 29 Members of leadership and chairs or ranking members of relevant committees
Map of key House & Senate committee members with shading to indicate 2013 Advocacy Day sates.
Targeting & Recruitment
Our invite list was designed both to reach key congressional targets and -- perhaps more importantly -- to engage organizations that would benefit from hands-on advocacy training. To be an effective training opportunity, we aim to keep Advocacy Day relatively small and shift attendance to a different cohort of states each year.
If your state or organization didn't make the 2013 list, please let us know that you would be interested in coming to Washington. We'll consider adding you to next year's list, but we also welcome land trusts to join us in DC any time of the year -- you'll miss out on formal training, but get even more personalized attention.
Better yet invite your legislators and their staff to visit land you've conserved next time they're in the district, see our guide and free webinar.
Tips for Your Own Advocacy Day -- In DC or at Home
Training Presentations
- Pre-webinar: What to Know Before You Go
- Advocacy Day Training PowerPoint
- Post-webinar: Advocacy Day at Home
Leave-behind Fact Sheets
Here are the four fact sheets that participants included in their "leave-behind" packet with Members and staff. These four sheets offer short policy briefings and asks designed for the Hill.
- The Enhanced Easement Incentive
- Farm Bill
- Interior Appropriations (LWCF, NAWCA, etc.)
- Charitable Deduction
2013 Advocacy Day Photo Album
The Maryland state team in the United States Capitol Building, prior to meeting with Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD).
Alliance Director of Public Policy Russ Shay shares a laugh with Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT).
Advocacy Day participants enjoy DC's spring weather outside after an exhausting day of meetings!
Sean Robertson, Alliance Public Policy Specialist, debriefs land trust leaders on their successful Hill visits.
Glen Chown, Executive Director of Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in Michigan; Rand Wentworth, President of the Land Trust Alliance; Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee; and Michael Dowling, Alliance Board Chair; pose with a map proudly displaying Michigan's agricultural bounty.
Advocacy Day participants gather to discuss various policy priorities, and to talk strategy on Hill meetings.
Jamey French, Alliance Policy Committee Chair, meets with Harris Sherman, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment at the US Department of Agriculture.
Fernando Lloveras, Alliance Board Member; and Lisa Ott, President of North Shore Land Alliance on Long Island, meet with Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY).
Michael Delbar, Chief Operating Officer of the California Rangeland Trust, and Darrell Wood, CRT Board Member relax before the keynote dinner.
Did you get a photo with your congressperson? Please send it to policy@lta.org.
For more information on last year's Lobby Day, please click here.
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