Left to Right: Jamie Stephens, San Juan Preservation Trust; Erik Kingfisher, Jefferson Land Trust; Jeanne White, Methow Conservancy; Venessa Kritzer, Executive Director, Washington Association of Land Trusts. | Courtesy photo
Earlier this month, within the same week that Jamie Stephens was elected as a San Juan Preservation Trust board member, he set off to Washington, D.C. to represent the Preservation Trust at Advocacy Days, hosted by the Land Trust Alliance.
Advocacy Days brings together land trust leaders from across the country to promote key conservation policies and strengthen relationships with legislators. This year saw the largest turnout ever, with 150 participants, including four from Washington State.
Jamie participated in an impressive lineup of meetings, connecting with staff from almost every congressional office. Highlights included sessions with the House Agriculture Committee, the Senate Agriculture Committee, and officials from the Department of Agriculture.
Thanks to volunteers like Jamie, the political influence of the land trust community continues to grow, ensuring that the landscapes we treasure and depend on remain protected for future generations.