Too often, press coverage of Western conservation issues includes policy experts but not the voices of people who work, live, and play in our public lands and waterways.

To help enrich national and local media coverage of conservation policy issues, The Western Voices Project was launched to empower organizations and individuals to share their personal experiences and opinions with the media.

Western Voices staff flag opportunities for volunteer project participants to communicate with the media. Public relations services are provided pro-bono to participating organizations and individuals.

The non-profit Vet Voice Foundation, helps veterans like Andres Lazo continue to serve their country by speaking out on vital national issues.

“Some of my fondest memories of growing up are visiting national monuments and parks with my family. Now that I'm back from serving my country in Iraq, I’m continuing my service by speaking up for energy security and protecting the lands I love back here at home.”

Jim Stipe is former President of the Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited, which works to protect Arizona’s trout and trout fisheries for the enjoyment of future generations.

“I grew up fishing and it became what I do. It’s what I did with my grandfather, what I do with my father, and what I’ll do with my son. But bit by bit, we’re losing what we hope our children would have, what makes the West special and different. We should be bending over backwards to protect our heritage.”

Yolanda Peña is organizer of a grassroots community organization of working families in New Mexico. The non-profit Organizers in the Land of Enchantment works on conservation issues for the benefit of the next generation.

“Our state is a unique land that our families have enjoyed for centuries. We’re working to make sure New Mexico’s public lands will be something our children’s children, and the generations that follow them, can enjoy, as well.”

Don Clark is a retired school teacher and president of the Rod and Gun Club in Libby, Montana.

He is featured here in a video produced by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership to share the stories of people who want to protect hunting and fishing opportunities across the West.