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The Kentucky State Capital building on a clear day.
Influencing policy Kentucky State Capitol © Helmut Brunar

Stories in Kentucky

Government Relations and Policy in Kentucky

Partnering with state and local governments for a more sustainable future for people and nature in Kentucky.

The Nature Conservancy is nonpartisan, nonconfrontational and collaborative. We work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle and all stakeholders to move policy forward that benefits people and nature. Our science-based approach focuses on what brings us together, not on what divides us.

Here in Kentucky, we are working with policymakers to help enact legislation that protects nature and invests in local communities. We know that policy makes conservation possible. By sharing our years of on-the-ground expertise, we can help inform policy that moves conservation forward.

TNC in Kentucky's State Director, David Phemister and Director of External Affairs, Heather Jeffs, sit at a table, testifying during a committee meeting at the Kentucky state capital.
× TNC in Kentucky's State Director, David Phemister and Director of External Affairs, Heather Jeffs, sit at a table, testifying during a committee meeting at the Kentucky state capital.
A group of people walk through an autumnal forest in Kentucky.
For People and Nature We work to protect Kentucky's lands and waters for the enjoyment and benefit of people and nature. © Mike Wilkinson
× A group of people walk through an autumnal forest in Kentucky.
For People and Nature We work to protect Kentucky's lands and waters for the enjoyment and benefit of people and nature. © Mike Wilkinson

In Kentucky, TNC’s involvement in conservation issues and our nonpartisan, science-based, solutions-oriented approach is well-respected across the political spectrum. Our successful government relations program ensures TNC’s status as a trusted voice on conservation and related issues in Kentucky—a voice that elected officials, the public and other organizations turn to. 

Recently, TNC in Kentucky's State Director, David Phemister, and Director of External Affairs, Heather Jeffs, spoke with Kentucky legislators to discuss the importance of land conservation for people and nature. Our work on protecting Cumberland Forest Wildlife Management Area, the largest conservation easement in state history, is an example of our bipartisan efforts to work toward the protection of nearly 55,000 acres of the critical Appalachian Mountains. 

Kentucky Appalachia with the forest in the light of a setting sun over the hills.
Appalachian Kentucky The Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky are home to ecosystems and environments that TNC is working to protect. © Steven David Johnson

TNC’s policy and government relations work is critical for our conservation success. Our work builds support among key constituencies including the general public, elected officials, businesses and industries and other potential partners and supporters. Building a baseline of support among these constituencies can unlock both potential public and private funding opportunities, build strong partnerships and networks, lead to positive policies and regulations and create a sense of urgency for our work. 

Two large bull elk standing in a clearing.
Bull Elk A pair of bull elk in their winter habitat at Starfire Wildlife Management Area. © Dave Baker/Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
× Two large bull elk standing in a clearing.
A screech owl rests in the hole of a tree.
Eastern Screech Owl An eastern screech owl, seen here, requires connected expanses of woodlands to forage and mate. Helping conserve Kentucky's lands and waters through our policy work supports habitat for screech owls and so many more species. © JD Sole
× A screech owl rests in the hole of a tree.
Bull Elk A pair of bull elk in their winter habitat at Starfire Wildlife Management Area. © Dave Baker/Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Eastern Screech Owl An eastern screech owl, seen here, requires connected expanses of woodlands to forage and mate. Helping conserve Kentucky's lands and waters through our policy work supports habitat for screech owls and so many more species. © JD Sole

Species that were at the brink of extinction like bald eagles, peregrine falcons, white-tailed deer, turkey, elk, striped bass and more, are all examples of fish and wildlife that now have healthy and thriving populations thanks to dedicated funding for increased conservation efforts.

That is why we work with partners and politicians to help enact policy that protect people and nature. Our work across state and party lines has helped legislators reintroduce RAWA (Restoring America's Wildlife Act). This legislation would be the most significant investment in wildlife conservation in decades, providing $1.397 billion to fund local and state efforts to help recover endangered species and to prevent at-risk wildlife from becoming endangered. 

TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman Guthrie in his office in front of a painting.
Public Policy in Kentucky TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman Guthrie at his DC office. © rgythgj
× TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman Guthrie in his office in front of a painting.
TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman McGarvey in the halls of Congress near his DC office.
TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman McGarvey in the halls of Congress.
× TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman McGarvey in the halls of Congress near his DC office.
Public Policy in Kentucky TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman Guthrie at his DC office. © rgythgj
TNC in Kentucky's director of external affairs, Heather Jeffs, meets with Congressman McGarvey in the halls of Congress.

Quote: Heather Jeffs

Our approach to government relations and policy work is all about bringing people together. Whether it’s our advocacy in DC or in Frankfort, TNC has demonstrated a record of successes in Kentucky when it comes to building support for conservation and the ways it benefits both people and nature.

TNC in Kentucky's Director of External Affairs

Together, we have accomplished a lot for people and nature. We will continue to work in Kentucky to enact policies that protect our land, water, climate and communities. Healthy farming practices help support healthy rivers, smart fire management helps prevent wildfires and thriving ecosystems create natural places for people to enjoy nature. We will continue to work for a brighter future for all.