Our Work

Soaring mountain peaks, free flowing rivers, and roving wildlife draw people from all over the world to the Rocky Mountain West. For more than 80 years, the National Wildlife Federation has advocated for the protection of these rare treasures that exist in one of the most complex biological systems in the United States.

At the National Wildlife Federation, we strive for the day when everyone—our children and their children—is guided by their natural bond to these stunning lands and cares for the very wildlife who live side-by-side our cities and neighborhoods. That's our commitment today. And that's our challenge ahead. The National Wildlife Federation's 2020 Vision can be successful with your help.

Protecting Our Western Wildlife Heritage (PDF)

Protecting Core Habitats and Corridors

• Assure room for wildlife to roam by protecting the highest-priority migration corridors through public, private, and tribal partnerships.
• Block all government proposals to privatize public lands to guarantee that our children retain this American birthright.
• Strengthen wildlife protections in the face of growing energy development in five priority habitat areas around the West.
• Achieve permanent designations that protect three essential wildlife landscapes.

Restoring Iconic Western Species, Big and Small

• Return wild bison to native habitats on tribal and public lands.
• Expand pollinator populations by restoring habitat throughout urban and suburban communities.
• Secure long-term conservation of three priority bighorn sheep herds in their core habitat of the Southern Rocky Mountains.
• Protect more than 350 species and millions of acres of sagebrush sea through four successful sage-grouse conservation plans in three states. Inspire a New Generation of Conservation Stewards.
• Build cognitive, social and physical development and a visceral connection to nature for young children in the West by integrating nature into early childhood education.
• Restore the connection between Westerners and nature by empowering suburban and urban communities to create wildlife habitat where they live, work, study and play.
• Increase student achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through nature-based education that reaches youth of all races and economic backgrounds.
• Improve the health, academic performance and traditional relationship with the land for thousands of tribal youth through partnerships with tribal nations.

Tackling Large-Scale Climate Change and Water Issues

• Champion policies and practices that confront threats to wildlife from our changing climate, including reform of the federal coal and methane programs.
• Protect and improve water quality and quantity for wildlife through a watershed approach, including enacting the Clean Water Rule and improved in-stream flows.