Izaak Walton League of America Information
Izaak Walton League’s Conservation Mission Statement: The Izaak Walton League of
America (IWLA) is first and foremost an organization of active and dedicated
volunteer conservationists who help protect and restore the country’s natural
resources at the local, state and national levels.
The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) was founded in 1922 as a national organization of
hunters, anglers and other conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts who work
through volunteer, community-based action and education programs to ensure the
sustainable use of America’s natural resources.
Today, the League’s chapters and divisions are continuing this tradition of
conservation leadership, organizing statewide stream monitoring programs,
outdoor ethics campaigns, youth education promotions and wetlands protection
efforts, among other projects. They also are involved with many of the country’s
major conservation events including Arbor Day, Earth Day, National Fishing Week
and National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Many IWLA chapters who own or lease facilities have nature trails, fishing
ponds, shooting ranges or other attractions. These chapters are able to provide
outdoor recreation and educational opportunities to members with a wide range of
interests, abilities and special needs.
Other IWLA programs focus on natural resources advocacy through state and
federal legislation, outdoor ethics for recreationists, community
sustainability, energy efficiency and sustainable agricultural practices.
The League has divisions in 22 states (California, Colorado, Florida,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York,
Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia,
Wisconsin and Wyoming) and more than 300 local chapters located in 32 states.
The conservation accomplishments of IWLA local, state and at-large members,
often referred to as Ikes, span more than seven decades. These League members
have made contributions large and small, from helping pass the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act to providing hunter education and safety
training to a new generation of hunters.
During the 1920s and 1930s, division and chapter members helped establish
nonpartisan state game commissions or conservation departments in several
states. League state and local groups during this era also were instrumental in
securing some of the country’s first municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
Later, during the 1950s and 1960s, these groups started local programs that
later became national initiatives aimed at controlling soil erosion, reducing
highway litter and protection local stream water quality.
With 50,000 members and supporters, the League offers a variety of ways for
people to get involved including Save Our Streams, a hands-on program that
teaches youths and adults how to monitor and protect streams throughout the
country.
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