Select. Submit. Protect.

Project

Instream flows for the entire 257 miles of the Klamath River are secured, sustaining the ecological health and aquatic and terrestrial resources of the watershed and the people that depend on them.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Removal of the four Klamath River dams was monumental. Local Tribes led this effort and are now focused on making sure there is enough water available for salmon to successfully return and to restore the overall landscape. This is a critical next step in protection of the Klamath ecosystem, and leveraging R2R’s legal and advocacy expertise will be incredibly important.

Project

Acquisition of the 2,690-acre Disaster Peak Ranch as well as associated grazing permits on 56,774 acres of surrounding public lands that WILL provide the foundation for conservation and restoration of more than 18 miles of McDermitt Creek and key tributary streams that provide critical habitat for threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout, greater sage-grouse and other sensitive species.

What TCA Staff are Saying

TCA has supported ODLT’s multi-phase approach to protecting this landscape. ODLT has successfully protected multiple parcels and is working on a landscape-scale effort that will acquire and restore critical areas for wildlife and recreation.

Project

Wild & Scenic designation for almost 450 miles of the Gila River by amplifying the voices of Hispanic, Tribal, and Pueblo communities, gaining legislative support through targeted advocacy, and celebrating the Gila River with community initiatives and storytelling that highlight its cultural and ecological significance.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Nuestra Tierra has built strong relationships with key legislators on this campaign and is elevating diverse community voices. They are working in partnership with New Mexico Wild to expand the reach of this campaign and move it forward. The campaign is building bipartisan support to protect this incredible landscape.

Project

Expansion of the Bailey Mountain Preserve by permanently conserving an adjacent 137 acre forested tract, furthering ongoing conservation and cultural heritage preservation efforts, resulting in the expansion of a critical wildlife corridor, improving recreational access, and extending community benefits such as flood mitigation, ecological education, and nature-based economic development in a low-income region.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Although this project is a smaller acreage amount, it will have meaningful economic and access impacts for the local low-income community in Mars Hill and beyond. It adds connectivity to already protected lands and enjoys strong support at the local and County level.

Project

Dam removal and increased protection for California’s Eel, Sacramento, and Trinity Rivers and their tributaries, and the Native people that depend on them, having access to traditional foods, such as salmon, cultural materials, and a thriving, restoration-based economy.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Save California Salmon was created to serve and give voice to California’s native and environmental justice communities. They are seen as a strong partner and were part of the efforts to remove the Klamath River dams. The group has partnerships at the local and agency level, putting them in a strong position to advocate on behalf of Tribes and communities.

Project

The Greater Yellowstone Conservation and Recreation Act will permanently protect 250,000 acres of southwest Montana’s Gallatin and Madison mountain ranges — safeguarding drinking water, conserving wildlife habitat, maintaining access to outdoor recreation, and halting further development to ensure that future generations can enjoy the resources, activities, and freedom these mountains provide.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Wild Montana is the lead organization on this campaign building public demand through strategic communications and organizing to advance GYCRA. Their bipartisan approach has the support of local communities, businesses, Tribes, and user groups, creating a powerful constituency to encourage eventual Congressional support.

Project

Defending the Tribally-led Sáttítla Highlands National Monument from challenges by the current administration to ensure future generations will be able to experience 224,676 acres of scenic, culturally significant volcanic lands that provide biological connectivity with Mount Shasta, Lava Beds NM, and the Klamath Wildlife Refuge and create a natural buffer for climate change and pursuing Outstanding National Resource Waters designation for the underlying hydrologic system.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Sáttítla Highlands National Monument was a key priority for TCA in 2024. MSBEC was a strong partner in that designation effort. They are a small organization who has had a large impact and is able to elevate Tribal voices and connect with local communities.

Project

Dene K’éh Kusān remains intact and protected, ensuring that the Indigenous community’s material, cultural, and spiritual ways of life thrive and remain resilient within the proposed 40,000-square-kilometer (9.88 million acres) world-class protected area for generations to come.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Protection of this landscape through an IPCA will have tremendous impacts on climate and biodiversity, protecting over 9 million acres and securing important social, cultural and economic benefits for the indigenous communities and others in the region. DKI has been a strong advocate for indigenous voices and the conservation of this landscape.

Project

76 river miles and 24,000 acres of riverside lands of the Upper Verde River, Granite Creek, and Sycamore Creek are protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Comprehensive River Management Plan for these rivers is completed, protecting the paddling, hiking, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, wildlife habitat, and cultural resources of the area.

What TCA Staff are Saying

American Rivers and its partners are building bipartisan support for this effort, while continuing to generate high levels of community and Tribal engagement, creating a more viable pathway to success for the Upper Verde Wild and Scenic River Act.

Project

Protection of 1,945 acres of rare, high-quality Oregon white oak woodlands and savanna, three miles of streams, and state-priority aspen wetlands located directly east of Oregon’s Mt. Hood to conserve this vital wildlife habitat, ensure permanent public and tribal access, and support regional climate resilience.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This is a unique and large-scale project to increase connectivity and protect land that is rated high for climate resiliency. CLT is working closely with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on this project.

Project

Wild and Scenic River designation for 446 miles of river segments permanently protecting the Gila River and tributaries to keep New Mexico’s last free flowing river healthy and thriving in the face of water scarcity, development pressures, climate change, persistent dam and diversion projects, and other threats.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This is a strong campaign that elevates the business voice in conservation. NM Wild has built strong relationships with diverse constituents, including Tribes, ranchers, businesses, and elected officials. Recent studies have demonstrated that protecting these rivers as Wild and Scenic would serve as a marketing tool that would increase the economic impact and contributions of outdoor recreation to a more diversified and sustainable economy.

Project

Conservation and preservation of 2.3 million acres of forested Wyoming public lands and waters, including big game migration corridors, native trout cold-water streams, hiking trails, fishing holes, camping sites, and prime hunting grounds, supports wildlife management and provides nutritious meat for families.

What TCA Staff are Saying

WWF is aptly positioned to build bipartisan support at the intersection of forest planning, migration corridor protection, and wildlife crossings. They will engage with each process to support language that addresses concerns about mineral and energy development within critical habitats; recognizes existing designated migration corridors as critical habitats; and includes provisions for historical trails and recreational access.

Project

Long-term protection of 162 miles of the Dolores River below McPhee Dam and up to 450,000 acres of surrounding public lands accomplished through national conservation area legislation or national monument designation.

What TCA Staff are Saying

The Dolores River Canyon Country is one of Colorado’s last wild places and has been the focus of local advocacy for the past 50 years. DRBA has been a strong partner and dependable advocate in the effort to conserve this landscape, working with coalition partners on administrative and legislative opportunities.

Project

The Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment Act (S.4402 and H.R.8535 in the 118th Congress) will be passed and signed by the President, adding approximately 15,300 acres to the Charles Deam Wilderness (more than doubling the size of Indiana’s only wilderness to 28,253 acres) and establishing the 29,382 acre Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area surrounding the expanded wilderness area.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This is a unique opportunity to protect a sizeable portion of wilderness in the midwest, through bipartisan action, that would help ensure long-lasting recreational opportunities. IFA has demonstrated a focus on working across the political aisle to increase the likelihood of this legislation moving forward.

Project

Protection from future water quality degradation by designating approximately 400,000 acres of the Ruby/Granite Creek, Upper Sultan River, Upper Lewis River and Methow River watershed as Outstanding Resource Waters by the Washington Department of Ecology for the benefit of fish and wildlife, responsible recreation and tribal treaty rights and lifeways.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This project elevates collaboration and partnership with local communities, Tribes, and other conservation organizations. WW and partners helped to successfully protect portions of three rivers in 2023. Elevating this tool at a time when other federal level opportunities are less viable is a strong way to continue to expand river and watershed protections in key areas.

Project

Stewardship of two large Planning Areas of the Elk River valley totaling 1,413 acres, with 40+ private landowners, and restoration design for 175 acres of recently-acquired tidal wetlands, a portion of which were unceded lands returned to the Wiyot Tribe.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This is a strong multi-phase landscape-scale effort to acquire and restore land in the Elk River watershed, working closely with agencies, local landowners, ranchers, and farmers, the Wiyot Tribe, and community members.

Project

Acquisition of the 342-acre Deaverview Mountain property, in partnership with Buncombe County, to create the county’s largest passive recreation public park that will provide hiking trails, protect wildlife habitat and water resources, feature unique panoramic scenic views, and improve recreation access to the surrounding low-income community.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Deaverview Mountain’s 3,118-foot peak is visible throughout Asheville, located only five miles from the city center. This project would create access to green space and outdoor recreation for economically disadvantaged communities just outside of Asheville, which was hard hit by the impacts of Hurricane Helene

Project

Permanent protection and opening of public access to the 1,099-acre Paulina Creek Preserve, including creation of more than 10 miles of publicly accessible trails linking to hundreds of miles of public recreation trails in the adjacent National Forest and Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This project is built upon extensive community outreach and engagement and includes support from the Klamath Tribe and local Chamber of Commerce. The purchase would represent the first phase in a multi-year effort to protect and convert this former cattle ranch into a nature preserve and publicly accessible recreation area.

Project

Permanent protection of 160 acres of grizzly bear habitat on the edge of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, supporting regional landscape connectivity and ensuring public access to hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails by transferring private property ownership to the U.S. Forest Service.

What TCA Staff are Saying

The project area is also located in a Justice40 community, elevating public access for marginalized populations. Although this is a smaller acreage, it will provide connectivity to over 90,000 acres of wilderness.

Project

Safeguard approximately 264,000 acres of the Ruby Mountains in Nevada from oil and gas development through the passage of durable policy and/or legislation.

What TCA Staff are Saying

TRCP has been a strong partner on this campaign and others. Their bipartisan approach and ability to bring in diverse stakeholders has proven to be incredibly impactfu. The Ruby Mountains were a landscape that TCA worked to protect, and supporting the next steps on the withdrawal process and permanent protection are a clear connection to our overall goals and strategy.

Project

Once nearly lost, over 500 wild buffalo will roam free on 17,000 acres of their ancestral homeland, protected by Tribal law. Their return restores ecological balance to the land and cultural revitalization to people of the Wind River Indian Reservation.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This proposal is a unique opportunity to build on efforts undertaken through TCA’s previous Confluence Program grant and expand the number of buffalo on the Wind River Reservation. Buffalo are a keystone species, helping to improve biodiversity and restore habitat. They also serve as a source of sustenance and cultural connection for Indigenous communities.

Project

Restoration of 1209 acres, equaling two square miles of mixed oak woodland savanna strategically located at the watershed’s apex for multiple streams, which will rejuvenate areas degraded by hog raising and livestock overgrazing, ultimately yielding healthy waterways, flourishing native plants, and renewed access to traditional foods.

What TCA Staff are Saying

Native Roots Network is an indigenous-led organization that has a strong focus on land restoration alongside workforce development. NRN is working to secure support from community members, local officials, and CalFire for this project, while building on relationships with other local and regional organizations.

Project

Ensure this beloved place remains a publicly accessible treasure for generations to come. Acquiring the Hailey Hot Springs Ranch will safeguard vital habitat for a remarkable array of wildlife, including sage grouse, elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn, and the elegant sandhill cranes. It will also secure over nine miles of pristine creeks and streams, including the valuable geothermal resources of the historic Hailey Hot Springs Resort.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This project is near the completion point. WRLT is partnering with local schools, youth organizations, and affinity groups to engage underrepresented groups in conservation through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and guided outings. Hailey is now over 30% HIspanic, so WRLT is designing bilingual interpretive signage and outreach materials to ensure all community members feel welcomed in these protected lands.

Project

Reconnect a free-flowing Similkameen River and 1,520 miles of critical high-elevation coldwater habitat for Upper Columbia steelhead and Chinook salmon to prevent local extinctions, increase climate resiliency, honor Tribal sovereignty and restore important cultural and recreational resources for Indigenous and local communities — a landmark victory for river restoration and a testament to the power of partnerships and community-driven conservation.

What TCA Staff are Saying

There is broad support for removal of the dam, including from state and federal agencies, local and national NGOs, Tribes, and the BC Province. There is a Collaborative Engagement Framework to encourage public participation and outreach. TU is a trusted organization playing a leading role in the removal of this dam that will have wide ecosystem impacts.

Project

Creation of a new rewilding preserve tens of thousands of acres in size on the Texas Panhandle Plains for endangered Texas bison, prairie dogs, antelope, lions, elk, and grassland nesting birds which will also serve as a major outdoor public recreation opportunity for modern Americans and others to come out and experience wild Texas shortgrass/Llano Estacado prairie.

What TCA Staff are Saying

GPRC, a previous TCA Confluence grantee, has been working on supporting the Southern Great Plains for over 20 years. In 2009, realizing that Texas bison were confined to a 300-acre area of Caprock Canyons State Park, they advocated to expand their habitat within the 13,000-acre park. Now they are in a unique position with the relationships they have built to bring this opportunity to the state and create a landscape-scale protected area.

Project

Finalization of a Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan in 2026 to conserve 315,000 acres of habitat across western Oregon and secure approval of the new Forest Management Plan, protecting clean water, carbon sequestration, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat for future generations of Oregonians.

What TCA Staff are Saying

WSC leads a coalition of conservation and fishing organizations. They have worked successfully to gain support through the Board of Forestry and saw a critical victory with the vote in 2024. WSC has expanded their government affairs team on the federal level to ensure that adequate staffing and resources are available to complete federal review of the HCPs.

Project

Long term protection of 1,875-acres and 5 river miles, enhancing water quality and quantity in the Savannah River, expanding protection of wetland habitats and expanding the network of protected and publicly accessible recreation lands in the Savannah River corridor.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This is a unique southeast private lands project that elevates Black land ownership and history. The transaction will balance the current needs of the owner with the long-term conservation values of the land, while also preserving the rich history.

Project

Permanent, forever-wild protection of 2,079+/- acres of forests, wetlands, and headwater streams adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, protecting an ecologically critical parcel from future development and logging, allowing public access on this land for the first time, and ensuring that an important viewshed along the Appalachian Trail is preserved for the enjoyment of all who visit.

What TCA Staff are Saying

This project has an exciting focus on conserving forested lands next to the Appalachian Trail and elevating public access and recreational opportunities. The effort will add a significant area of new conservation land within a well-connected landscape, strengthening habitat connectivity and facilitating wildlife movement.

Project

Working through an effective, efficient regional coalition, we are working to secure a climate smart amendment under the NW Forest Plan for 24.5 million acres of federally managed lands in western Oregon, Washington, and northwestern California.

What TCA Staff are Saying

The Forest Service is still on track to complete this process in 2025, impacting over 24 million acres of carbon-dense forests in Oregon, Washington, and California. MVCC and its partners have remained focused on ensuring recreational access, Tribal voices, and conservation values are lifted up.

Project

The 1.6-million acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge remains free from industrialization, ensuring the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd remain intact.

What TCA Staff are Saying

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge supports an incredible diversity of wildlife and subsistence and cultural values for local and Indigenous communities, including the Gwich’in people. Protection of this landscape is critical for climate resiliency and biodiversity, as well as recreation and community values.