Conservation and biodiversity preservation are not just the work of scientists; everyone has a role. This primer from the 09-25-2020 Scout Report is a great resource for readers wanting to better understand key considerations and players in the conservation realm.
Newcomers to land use and protection may enjoy "Conservation 101," a comprehensive reference guide compiled in 2015. The guide begins with a brief introduction to public lands in the United States and conservation generally. For example, the Public Land Conservation section includes an outline of "Government Agencies that Manage Public Lands and Affect Environmental Policy." Next, the guide explains the various protective statuses assigned to public land. Readers wondering about the difference between "wilderness" and "wilderness study areas" or "national parks" and "national monuments" will find the answers in this section. The following section shifts to private land conservation, with a focus on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), "a Federal program that was established by Congress in 1964 to provide funds and matching grants to federal, state and local governments for the acquisition of land and water, and easements on land and water." The guide concludes with an overview of "core environmental laws," including the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act. This resource was created through collaboration between The Conservation Alliance, the Outdoor Industry Association, and Outdoor Alliance.