Outdoor Alliance

Overview

Outdoor Alliance is a U.S. non-profit organization that unites various groups of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and protect America's public lands. Founded in 2005, it acts as a coalition of national advocacy organizations, aiming to protect the human-powered outdoor recreation experience and ensure public lands are managed sustainably.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: The mission of Outdoor Alliance is to unite the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to protect the human-powered outdoor recreation experience and conserve America’s public lands.
• Vision: The organization envisions a united and inclusive human-powered recreation community that harnesses its passion for outdoor adventure to conserve America’s public lands.

Values

Outdoor Alliance holds several core values:

• Intrinsic Value of Outdoor Places: They believe outdoor places have both intrinsic and social value, providing habitat, clean air and water, and unique experiences for people.
• Connection to the Outdoors: Through participation in activities like skiing, hiking, climbing, and surfing, people become more connected to and invested in caring for these areas.
• Collective Impact: By uniting the voices of outdoor enthusiasts, the organization believes they can make a stronger impact in protecting wild places.
• Collective Responsibility: Public lands belong to everyone, and Americans collectively enjoy and are responsible for them.
• Inclusivity: There is room for diverse uses of public lands, and robust civic engagement is necessary to determine which areas should be specially protected.

Member Organizations

Outdoor Alliance consists of 10 national advocacy organizations, each focused on different aspects of outdoor recreation:

• Access Fund: Focuses on sustainable access and conservation of climbing environments.
• American Canoe Association (ACA): Serves the broader paddling public by providing education and stewardship support.
• American Whitewater: Advocates for preserving and protecting whitewater resources.
• International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA): Works to create and protect mountain biking trails.
• Winter Wildlands Alliance: Focuses on protecting America’s wild snowscapes.
• The Mountaineers: Based in Washington State, focuses on exploring, conserving, and enjoying the Pacific Northwest.
• American Alpine Club: Represents and advocates for climbers.
• Mazamas: Promotes responsible outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Colorado Mountain Club: Offers adventure, recreation, conservation, and education opportunities.
• Surfrider Foundation: Dedicated to the protection of oceans, waves, and beaches.

Activities

Outdoor Alliance works to protect public lands and waters by advocating for sustainable access, promoting legislation, and engaging with land managers. It also addresses climate change impacts on public lands. Additionally, the organization aims to secure adequate funding for public lands, supporting programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

State-Based Coalitions

Outdoor Alliance has formed state-based coalitions, such as Outdoor Alliance Washington, which unite local recreation advocacy groups to address state-specific issues and influence federal policy. These coalitions empower local communities to protect outdoor spaces and tackle environmental challenges.