Learning the conservation advocacy ropes: Anna Hicks
"I started this internship with very little knowledge of how private land conservation works, just a passion for being outdoors. Since starting in February, I have learned the ins and outs of private land conservation and why it is important to keep fighting for the funding of environmental protection."
As my internship with the Land Trust Alliance comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the amazing opportunities this experience has provided to me. I started this internship with very little knowledge of how private land conservation works, just a passion for being outdoors. Since starting in February, I have learned the ins and outs of private land conservation and why it is important to keep fighting for the funding of environmental protection.
This year has been an especially important year for the Alliance, as the Farm Bill is up for renewal in Congress. As this legislation is being renewed, it is important for legislators to hear first-hand experience of how these bills help conserve our nation’s land and waters during events, such as the Alliance’s annual Advocacy Days. Advocacy Days provides the opportunity for land trust leaders from across the country to facilitate relationships with key legislators and to help build the political influence of the land trust community. As an intern, I was able to assist in planning and executing this event by prepping materials, connecting with land trust leaders, scheduling congressional meetings, and more.
While we advocated for bills such as the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA), the highest priority of the Alliance’s efforts during Advocacy Days was the Farm Bill. With more than 100 various land trust members, my fellow interns and I were able to schedule more than 175 congressional meetings to assist in the fight for private land conservation.
During the week of Advocacy Days, I was able to participate in a meeting with my local representative, Rep. Richard McCormick (R-06-GA), to discuss the importance of these issues. Although Rep. McCormick’s office didn’t focus on environmental policy and generally has not supported the Farm Bill, we were able to have an open dialogue about the importance of land conservation and the potential benefits of ACEP and RAWA for Georgia’s 6th congressional district. While this conversation doesn't necessarily mean my representative will vote for the policies we recommended, having these conversations and continuing to educate others on the importance of land conservation is what is truly important.
One of the most influential and inspiring parts of Advocacy Days was seeing the collaboration across the aisle on these issues — something that isn't always highlighted in the media. Party leaders from both sides showed up to support our causes and fight to protect lands for future generations. In a season where almost every aspect of politics is highly polarized, seeing the collaboration from both sides was a beacon of hope. This collaboration made the work I was doing feel truly important and that I was making a difference in this position.
This internship has shown me how important implementation of policy at the local and state level is, and the effects these policies can have on individuals’ lives. With the experience I have gained from my time at the Alliance and as I continue my education in political science and economics, I hope to pursue a career in sustainable urban and local planning. I am so grateful for the opportunities this internship has presented me with and I know I will be able to take what I have learned with me to the next step in my career.