Nomination Statement for Pacific Coast Region Candidate Kathleen Ackley

I am happy to accept the nomination to serve on the Terrafirma Members Committee for the Pacific Region, representing member land trusts in Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and Hawaii.  Part of my motivation to accept this nomination is a desire to understand the unique nature of the many different Terrafirma member organizations in our region, and how land trusts are managing the varying challenges around protecting land in perpetuity.  I want to learn from the experiences of other land trusts and help our community defend their protected lands while finding ways to prepare for future uncertainties.  Being an active part of the larger land trust community has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.  As an executive director running a small land trust in a remote rural area, connectivity to partner organizations and other land trust practitioners is critical.  It keeps our organization connected to the bigger picture, provides opportunities to collaborate and keeps us inspired.  I see my service on the Terrafirma Members Committee as an extension of this connection to other land trusts in the region.  I look forward to getting to know the diverse land trusts and conservancies across Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and Hawaii, learning about their work and sharing ideas.

As the elected Representative on the Terrafirma Members Committee, my duty will be to ensure that the interests of Terrafirma members in the Pacific region are heard, understood and addressed.  I see my participation on the Terrafirma Members Committee as another way to contribute to the conservation community and be of service to fellow land trusts.  Ultimately, I see this as an opportunity to be a part of the larger, national conservation movement, bringing context to the work we do on the local level, and lending strength to our collective voice on behalf of the amazing lands we protect.