Safeguarding Kentucky’s Ancient Beauty
For more than 60 years, you have helped The Nature Conservancy protect nature through conservation policy. Kentucky's stunning natural wonders, like Mammoth Cave and the Red River Gorge, are precious gifts. To keep these special places thriving, we need to protect them. Let's work together to ensure future generations can enjoy these beautiful landscapes.
We partner with policy leaders to strengthen the connection between nature and people and to advance nature based solutions.
Explore Our Legislative Priorities
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Lay the groundwork for the creation of a new dedicated state funding program of at least $5 million per year ($10 million per biennium budget) for land and water conservation in Kentucky, as outlined in our 5-year strategic plan.
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Meet with key members of the Kentucky General Assembly (based on leadership roles/committee assignments/potential to champion conservation funding) to discuss the recently completed Kentucky Needs Assessment.
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Obtain feedback from legislators on levels of support for various potential sources of increased state funding for conservation.
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Use this feedback to then conduct public polling on top options to determine Kentuckians’ support/opposition for various sources of increased state funding for conservation.
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In role as Advocacy Committee chair for the Kentucky Land Trusts Coalition, lead KLTC and other state partners in utilizing Kentucky Needs Assessment and other supporting documents to build case for increased conservation investments by General Assembly during 2025 Legislative Session (non-budget year).
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Conduct meetings to socialize state dedicated funding effort and assess potential support from stakeholder groups outside of the direct conservation community.
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Download a copy to support your discussions, committee work, and budget planning. Contact information for our Government Relations Manager is included.
Policy, People + Nature Share a Vital Connection
Land connects us. It is the foundation of our existence, providing us with food, energy, and space where we build our cities and communities. Our culture and way of life are deeply connected to the natural world, reminding us that we depend on healthy lands, waters, and ecosystems. Our land flows with natural springs and rivers that produce water, supports vital wildlife corridors for endangered species, and ecosystems for marine life. It protects vulnerable coastlines and adds beauty to developed areas. Recognizing this fundamental connection, we must conserve our land in order to safeguard all we cherish for generations.
Kentucky's Living Landscape
Kentucky has remarkable forests, rivers and caves. Nationally recognized for the diversity of fish, mussel and crayfish species found in the state's 90,000 miles of streams, it has multiple ecological regions that support various wildlife.
How TNC Uses Land Acquisitions & Conservation Easements to Conserve Kentucky
These powerful and effective tools allow us to protect open space lands from intensive development. TNC uses land acquisition to purchase land to preserve it for conservation, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. Conservation easements offer a unique solution, allowing landowners to protect their land while continuing to live on and use their land, at the same time potentially providing them with tax benefits.
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Advocate for land conservation and help improve water quality and supply, boost resiliency against storms, and conserve diverse habitats and species. It also has economic benefits such as support for agricultural productivity and creating more opportunities for people to get outdoors and connect with nature. Investing in land conservation today ensures a healthier, more resilient environment and quality of life for all who call our state home.
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Our mission of conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.
We see an exciting future for nature. A future filled with opportunities and possibilities. A future where nature beats the odds. Where a better tomorrow exists thanks to forests, grasslands and streams. Coral reefs and mountain ranges. Animals great and small. Our human communities. By collaborating across boundaries, borders and divides, we can manifest this a reality because together, we find a way.
How to Work Together
to Make a Difference
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Partner
Invite us to the table to collaboratively address nature loss alongside landowners, organizations, communities, and local & state government agencies.
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Policy
Develop conservation policies that reflect our shared values and goals, ensuring the protection of nature while enabling effective natural resource management strategies.
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Fund
Invest in our future by funding initiatives that encourage conservation of our lands and waters, and balance development with ecological integrity.
Decades of Hands-on Expertise Working with Communities & Government at All Levels
Since 1951, we have shared policy recommendations and fostered a world where both people and nature thrive. As a non-partisan, evidence-based organization, we strive to advance policy solutions that support the diversity of life.
Advance Meaningful Policy for Kentucky
Thoughtful conservation policies drive meaningful statewide progress. Let’s unite to conserve nature, empower communities, and ensure lasting solutions for wildlife and biodiversity today.
Community: Hiking in Kentucky © Mike Wilkinson
Endless Mountains: A hiker enjoys the scenic view of Bad Branch State Nature Preserve in Kentucky. © Devan King/The Nature Conservancy
The Gals: Six deer spotted on a cold morning in Kentucky. © Jeff Sluder/TNC Photo Contest 2021
Trees Preparing for Planting: Hundreds of trees were acquired in the Green Heart Louisville Project which were planted throughout communities in the area. © Mike Wilkinson
Short's Goldenrod: One of the rarest plants in the world. © TNC
Conservation cultivates a deep appreciation for nature within communities, inspiring broader environmental action for the places we love.
Take Action for Kentucky
Policy makes conservation possible. Every acre we preserve, every river mile restored, every habitat we save for wildlife is because of you.
Kentucky Stories
Kentuckians care deeply about conservation, working to protect the forests, waterways, and natural beauty that define their home. We are inspired by these individuals and hope you will be too.
Latest News
The Cumberland Forest Project: Conservation at Scale
With many years in the making, this innovative project demonstrates the climate benefits of sustainable forest management while providing positive conservation, community and financial returns.
Largest Conservation Effort in Kentucky History
The Cumberland Forest Project is an innovative conservation model spanning 253,000 acres in Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Powering Change in the Appalachian Mountains
The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky has worked to install solar panels all over Kentucky.