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National News
Advocates Needed!
The federal agencies are considering proposals to rollback existing protections for public lands and waters. We urge members to engage to share concerns and opposition to these efforts.
Learn more about both proposals and to take action.
Defend Roadless Areas in our National Forests
Since 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has protected some of the
nation’s most pristine and undeveloped National Forest lands. Now, the U.S. Forest Service is proposing to rescind these protections, despite an extensive public process that generated 1.6 million comments, 95 percent of which supported the Rule. Roadless areas provide clean water, critical fish and wildlife habitat and valuable opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, while supporting drinking water for an estimated 25 million Americans.
Comments are due October 6 - take action today to help protect
these important public lands.
Speak Up for the Clean Water Act
On September 4, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a proposal to dramatically weaken the protections of the federal Clean Water Act, eliminating essential safeguards for waters across the country. While long-standing protections will continue for traditionally navigable waters and for perennial streams that flow continuously year-round, the new proposal would eliminate protections for nearly all streams and wetlands that flow seasonally or with intermittent breaks in surface flow. This unprecedented rollback will put clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, and the communities that depend on these waters at risk.
Comments are due October 9 - speak up today to protect our nation's waters.
Membership Updates
Membership Billing
The September membership billing is currently being prepared and mailed. Chapters are encouraged to send renewal notices promptly and begin collecting and submitting membership dues as soon as possible. A second billing will be issued in mid-December for members who have not yet renewed.
2026 - 2027 Officer Reporting
Please complete and return the Chapter Officer Update form your chapter received by mail or, preferably, use the online portal to review and update your chapter’s officer information.
Per the bylaws, all chapter officers must be in place by September 1 and updated with the National Office by September 30. If there are no changes to your current officers, updating your information is quick and easy—simply select the “Renew All Officers” button through the online portal.
Please coordinate with your chapter to ensure that only one person submits the officer information on behalf of the chapter. This will help prevent duplicate submissions and ensure our records remain accurate.
Communications Updates
"How To" Social Media Document
We have an updated resource outlining social media do’s and don’ts to help chapters and divisions effectively build awareness, increase engagement and strengthen their online presence.
Integrity of League Logos
Our logos—including the League logo introduced in 2022, as well as the Save Our Streams, Nitrate Watch and Salt Watch logos—are registered trademarks that the national office works diligently to protect and defend. Please do not alter, modify or otherwise change these marks in any way, with the exception of adding your chapter or division name beneath the League logo.
Upcoming League Membership Survey
The League is preparing a survey for all members to better understand why they joined, their priorities and their overall membership experience. We encourage chapters and divisions to help spread the word and encourage members to participate. Their feedback will help inform the League’s future programs, communications and member engagement efforts.
Welcome New National Office Staff!
Over recent months, the national office has welcomed several new team members that will strengthen our staff capacity, support national efforts and help advance the League’s mission and conservation priorities.
Megan Etzwiler - Office Manager
Megan serves as the League's Office Manager and oversees daily administrative and operational functions at headquarters and serves as the central hub for financial and organizational inquiries. She also supports organization-wide initiatives and provides administrative support to the Executive Director.
Kate Miller - Conservation Director
Kate joined the League in September 2026 as Conservation Director. In this role, she directs the League’s policy and government relations efforts, develops and implements the League’s national legislative and public policy agenda, oversees conservation programs and supervises senior conservation staff.
Danielle Prete - Membership Manager
Danielle serves as the Membership Manager, supporting both chapters and individual members with inquiries related to dues, billing and overall membership.
Amy Swanson - Operations Coordinator
Amy serves as the League’s Operations Coordinator, supporting daily office operations, member services, administrative functions, mail processing and donation management.
Restoring Conservation Protections
This article from the next Outdoor America examines the unprecedented rollback of the nation's bedrock conservation laws and policies that protect public land, water and wildlife. This will require action to restore protections while reimagining how to better steward outdoor America with a more enduring consensus.
Restoring Protections & Reimaging How We Steward Outdoor America
Red Rose Chapter Works on Setting Things Right for the American Chestnut
For two decades, the Lancaster Red Rose Chapter of the Izaak Walton League has worked to restore the American chestnut, planting native seedlings and supporting efforts to develop trees that can withstand the devastating chestnut blight. In 2026, the Chapter reached a major milestone as one of only a handful of sites selected for a historic field trial using newly developed blight-tolerant pollen, offering renewed hope for bringing this once-iconic tree back to Eastern forests.
Upcoming Webinars
In partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, the Izaak Walton League of America is hosting two upcoming webinars focused on educating farmland owners about conservation practices.
Farmland Owner Panel: Lessons in Conservation
Hear from two Iowa landowners, Jane Shey and Palma Strand, who have implemented conservation practices on their farmland and will share lessons learned along the way. The panel will explore communication with tenant farmers, navigating federal conservation programs, finding resources and building trust, followed by an audience Q&A.
National Staff Tour Arlington-Fairfax Chapter
In August, the League's national staff visited Virginia’s Arlington-Fairfax Chapter where they learned about its history, conservation and shooting sports facilities and safety programs -- and received expert trap-shooting tips from Chapter volunteers.
Save the Date: 2027 National Convention
Join the Izaak Walton League for our 2027 National Convention in beautiful Roanoke, Virginia! Connect with fellow conservationists and League leaders for inspiring conversations, meaningful connections and opportunities to advance our shared commitment to protecting America’s natural resources.
More details and registration information coming soon.
Book your hotel room now!
2027 Convention Information & Dates
Support the League!
Your support helps the Izaak Walton League protect America’s natural resources and ensure clean air, clean water and healthy outdoor spaces for generations to come. Donate today and join us in advancing conservation and making a lasting difference for our nation’s lands, waters and wildlife.
2026 National Convention
2026 National Convention Overview
More than 300 members, guests, volunteers and youth gathered in Bloomington, Minnesota, for the Izaak Walton League’s 2026 National Convention to learn, collaborate and advance the League’s conservation mission. Attendees celebrated volunteer achievements, heard from conservation leaders and participated in discussions and decisions that will help shape the League’s future.
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