For a cleaner, more prosperous world, ACC mobilizes conservatives around environmental issues, fostering collaboration in the pursuit of environmental conservation.
ACC has always believed conservation works best when sound research is translated into action by the people who actually steward the land. Just like good policy, good science matters, but none of it is effective without the hunters, anglers, and farmers on the ground doing the work.
That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Kelly Dunning to our board.
Kelly believes America’s conservation success depends on strong partnerships among scientists, landowners, sportsmen, and the public. Her research examines issues including wildlife governance, public lands, hunter participation, large carnivore management, and collaborative conservation. Beyond research, Kelly is deeply committed to serving Wyoming and strengthening the next generation of conservation leaders. To wit, Dr. Dunning works closely with state wildlife agencies and outdoorsmen in local communities while also advising the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation student chapter at the University of Wyoming, leading Delta Waterfowl’s New to Hunting program, and directing Green to Green, a mentoring program that helps military veterans transition into careers in natural resources and conservation.
Kelly saw ACC’s commitment to developing the next generation of conservation leaders. Given her passion for helping more college-age Americans become actively engaged in conservation and see themselves as future leaders in the field rather than just participants, it was a natural fit. Programs that put college students and young professionals in positions of responsibility, expose them to conservation policy, and connect them with established leaders can have an enormous impact on the trajectory of their careers.
Kelly wants to help strengthen and expand those efforts.
Kelly especially appreciates ACC’s role in moving more young conservationists into leadership roles in state and federal agencies, elected government, NGOs, and the private sector. Building a strong pipeline of capable young conservation leaders is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of American conservation.
Kelly’s ethos of ensuring that conservation policy is grounded in sound science while reflecting the values and traditions of the communities that steward America’s lands and wildlife could not be a better fit for ACC. We are grateful and excited that she has decided to join us!