S7, Ep 98: The Fight for Our Future: Land Tawney on Grassroots Advocacy and Public Lands

The Articulate Fly

In this episode of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, Marvin Cash sits down with Land Tawney, outdoorsman, conservationist and co-founder of the American Hunters and Anglers Action Network, for a deep dive into grassroots advocacy, public lands protection and the future of sportsmen's conservation.

Land Tawney's Conservation Leadership

Land Tawney brings decades of experience in conservation organizing, including his previous work with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Now leading the American Hunters and Anglers Action Network, Land is building a new model for rapid-response conservation advocacy focused on social media engagement and targeted political action.

What You'll Learn

This conversation explores the essential skills for effective grassroots organizing, including how to build coalitions, engage decision-makers and sustain long-term advocacy efforts. Land shares insights on navigating political compromise, using social media as an advocacy tool and mobilizing sportsmen around public lands issues. You'll discover why "your voice matters" isn't just a platitude but a practical call to democratic engagement.

Montana Fly Fishing Heritage

While the episode focuses on conservation, Land shares formative memories from Montana's Big Hole River during the salmonfly hatch, fishing with mentors like Jim Posewitz and Dale Burke and learning patience on the water from Jim Range. These early experiences on Montana's legendary trout streams shaped his lifelong commitment to protecting wild places and public access.

Public Lands and Political Engagement

Land discusses current threats to public lands, the importance of compromise in conservation politics and why sitting out political debates means "you're on the menu, not at the table." He outlines American Hunters and Anglers' strategy of creating "fires" that larger conservation organizations can respond to, using social media reach to amplify urgent issues affecting sportsmen's access and habitat.

Tune in to understand how fly anglers can effectively advocate for the waters they fish and why conservation requires engagement, not just donations.

Sponsors

Thanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.

Related Content

S2, Ep 40: Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited

S2, Ep 67: People of Bristol Bay - Tia Shoemaker of Grizzly Skins of Alaska

S2, Ep 83: People of Bristol Bay - Drew Hamilton of Friends of McNeil River

S2, Ep 93: People of Bristol Bay - Kate Crump of Frigate Adventure Travel

All Things Social Media

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Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

07:02 The Importance of Grassroots Activism

11:02 Empowering the Next Generation

15:32 Building a Broad Coalition

17:45 Utilizing Digital Tools for Community

26:08 The Role of American Hunters and Anglers Action Network

33:14 Addressing Current Environmental Threats

43:52 Responsible Resource Management

53:24 Call to Action for Listeners