The family-owned and operated specialty outdoor retailer has joined the efforts of The Conservation Alliance.
The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is a coalition of more than 270 like-minded member companies that pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places and outdoor spaces. Companies range from the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers and renewable energy developers committed to wild public lands and waters.
“This feels like a meaningful next step for us, building on our ongoing 1% for the Planet giving program,” said Lamberson. “Through The Conservation Alliance, we are excited to contribute to the important work of funding and advocating for the protection of North America’s wild places – a cause that’s close to our hearts.”
Since 1989, TCA has awarded more than $30 million in grants and helped protect more than 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 37 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas and designate five marine reserves.
“A small sample of what The Conservation Alliance delivers to us as members is keeping us focused and updated on important policies that could threaten or affect our spaces to recreate and ways of life in the outdoor industry,” she said.
Recently, Lamberson wrote a letter to Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., stating: “I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the bills you have introduced to rescind the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni–Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon and Ironwood Forest National Monuments. These lands are not just picturesque landscapes or places for outdoor recreation – they are the beating heart of Arizona. They are places of sanctuary and wonder, where people from all walks of life come to reconnect with nature and find peace in its quiet beauty.”
Lamberson adds that TCA, along with Mountain Sports Flagstaff, also is concerned about the rollback of the Roadless Rule. “We are taking action to make calls, write letters and bring awareness to the threat to 58-60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest lands.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the rescinding of the 2001 Roadless Rule in June, stating that the action will remove prohibitions on road construction, reconstruction and timber harvest on nearly 59 million acres of the National Forest System, allowing for fire prevention and responsible timber production.
In response, TCA Executive Director Paul Hendricks said the $1.2 trillion outdoor economy relies on landscapes remaining intact and protected from industrial development such as road development, mining and timber harvesting. “Rolling back the Roadless Rule would threaten recreation access for activities like mountain biking, fishing, climbing, hunting and more, as well as tourism, and other activities that local businesses depend on.”
Meanwhile, Mountain Sports Flagstaff has been exploring the business structure of a Benefit Corporation or B Corp since 2023, to build on the business’s positive impact on society.
“While I haven’t yet reached my 50th anniversary goal of becoming a B Corp, being a member company of The Conservation Alliance feels like a natural match for me in our effort to commit to a higher standard of purpose, while considering our workers, the community, the environment as well as the shareholders.” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Courtesy Photo: Lisa Lamberson owns and operates Mountain Sports Flagstaff on the corner of San Francisco Street and Aspen Avenue. Upon joining The Conservation Alliance, she said, “We are excited to contribute to the important work of funding and advocating for the protection of North America’s wild places – a cause that’s close to our hearts.”
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