S7, Ep 98: The Fight for Our Future: Land Tawney on Grassroots Advocacy and Public Lands
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 LeadershipLand 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 LearnThis 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 HeritageWhile 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 EngagementLand 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.SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.Related ContentS2, Ep 40: Chris Wood of Trout UnlimitedS2, Ep 67: People of Bristol Bay - Tia Shoemaker of Grizzly Skins of AlaskaS2, Ep 83: People of Bristol Bay - Drew Hamilton of Friends of McNeil RiverS2, Ep 93: People of Bristol Bay - Kate Crump of Frigate Adventure TravelAll Things Social MediaFollow Land on Instagram.Follow American Hunters and Anglers Action Network on Facebook,
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