Our BLM public lands and waters are a vital part of the American story. They drive rural economies, offer world-class recreation opportunities, and hold some of our nation’s most prized history and natural wonders. You will be hard pressed to find any others quite like them.
I’ve also seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities that come with BLM’s multi-use mission, and I’m optimistic we are beginning to crack the code, together. I’m reminded that no one organization or individual can take on this work alone. That’s why we continue to welcome new ideas and perspectives to the table…and people keep showing up! Local communities are grabbing their shovels, philanthropists are wanting to help, companies are partnering, and agency partners are identifying the greatest needs for us to tackle together.
Here are just a few examples of how the Foundation is helping to boost existing initiatives and invest in new solutions:
- $3M in grant funding to on-the-ground projects. In September 2024, the Foundation began rolling out its first wave of grant programs, and in just six short months invested $3M into on-the-ground projects addressing things like drought resilience, recreation access, and educating the next generation of stewards. Beyond financial support, grant announcements helped to increase awareness of the BLM and local partners through Foundation-led social campaigns and earned media.
- A new pilot program to prepare, and match, more Wild Horses and Burros with good homes. This month, we kicked off a new pilot program, Trainer Ambassador Program (TAP), to help build a nationwide network of trainers equipped with the unique skills and experience to successfully train and adopt mustangs and burros from holding facilities into good homes. And on April 27th, our very first mustang from this program, Bear, joined his forever family in Tennessee.
- A new partnership to help transform river recreation, safety, and stewardship in Colorado. In my home state, we are working alongside Trout Unlimited, the BLM, American Whitewater, local governments, community organizers, and more on a massive effort to coordinate care of our major riverways. My fellow anglers, white water rafters, swimmers, and conservationists, give the team a shout at rivermap@americaslands.org to learn more and get involved.
- Growing organizational leadership for long-term success. In April we welcomed the inaugural members of the Foundation’s National Leadership Council. They have the important job of advising the Foundation on current and future priorities, building strategic partnerships, generating awareness, and helping to drive investments in BLM-managed lands and waters that serve American communities. They represent a wide range of interests, industries, and geographic perspectives that will benefit our work, and we are grateful for their commitment to our mission and shared desire for success. If you are interested in helping us expand our networks and impact, reach out at Info@Americaslands.org.
What’s next for us?
- Fund forever stewardship in Colorado. I like to say, protecting something forever costs money! The Foundation established the Blue Valley Ranch Land Exchange endowment, a $2.2 million Sustainable Stewardship Fund, in Grand County, Colorado. As with other areas newly designated to the BLM’s care, the additional lands and waters did not come with additional budget for the BLM. This Fund will help bridge that gap and support stewardship and safe use of areas around the Blue River and Colorado River for generations to come. This is our second endowment after Lost Coast Redwoods in California. I’m eager to see future projects involving federal management by the BLM incorporate stewardship endowments to provide the necessary financial resources to manage “forever.”
- Kickstart 12 new projects this spring across 7 states. We are gearing up to launch our second round of Lands to Love Catalyst Fund grants, which support projects in need of “last mile” matching dollars to help unlock greater funding. The Lands to Love Catalyst Fund is currently by invitation only and invests in projects that will create or improve access to recreation and support much needed on-the-ground restoration to support the needs of American communities.
We continue to be committed to the people and communities who love, and depend on, our public lands and waters. And our success depends on your support. I am so grateful to have you all along for the journey.
I Ling Thompson
Chief Executive Officer and President
The Foundation for America’s Public Lands
