The Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition is a network of organizations that have joined together to promote balanced conservation-based approaches to the ecological and economic problems facing the rural West.Sustainable Northwest is the organizer and founder and distributes information on policy developments, raises funds, and supports the participation of the members.RVCC focuses on policy issues that affect rural communities, public lands management, and the continuation of a natural resource-based economy in the West. RVCC is committed to finding and promoting policy solutions through collaborative, place-based work that recognizes the inextricable link between the long-term health of the land and the well-being of rural communities.The work of the RVCC is guided by four goals:
- To develop and promote ecologically responsible and economically equitable solutions
- To increase federal support for restoraton of public lands and rural economic development
- To advance legislative ideas and influence legislation proposed by others
- To strengthen the voices of rural leaders in conservation and economic development policy
Sustainable Northwest works closely with partner organizations to focus on congressional education, providing resources for community-based forestry practitioners, and regional organizing. They provide a variety of resources for individuals, organizations, and agencies interested in natural resource policy. The primary policy focus is on issues related to the National Environmental Policy Act, community capacity building, ranching and rangeland restoration, woody biomass utilization and forest restoration, climate change, contracting on public lands, restoration funding, forest stewardship research, and private lands.RVCC policy papers are available by clicking here.