I was the Development Director at BCA for six years. I remain incredibly proud of the work of the organization and the knowledge and expertise of the staff. I continue to notice the importance of BCA's positive impact on wildlife and the environmental movement far beyond the state of Wyoming. For example, in my new role with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, we are working on restoring habitat for the northern leopard frog and Preble's Meadow jumping mouse, and funding is available to do this work. I don't know if the attention to these species would have brought funding to this important work if BCA hadn't worked very hard to raise awareness about them in the press, and fought hard for federal designations under the Endangered Species Act. I truly believe in the mission of BCA; I'm now a donor and will continue to donate as long as I can. I think it is sad that money for advocacy work that is so vital is so sparse, and I will continue to encourage others to put money towards this work as a donor.
The Biodiversity Conservation Alliance is a strong, grass-roots, environmental group that works tirelessly to safeguard Wyoming's natural attributes, which are constantly under pressure in many ways, but especially from oil and gas extraction and associated industrialization of Wyoming landscapes. If you love Wyoming's natural places, consider donating to BCA. They accomplish much with a small budget thanks to the dedication of their staff. An example is the fight to protect the unparralleled beauty and solitude of the Adobe Town area from development.
Previous Stories
The Biodiversity Conservation Alliance (BCA) is a smart, science-based environmental group that works tirelessly to protect the frequently maligned landscapes and ecosystems of Wyoming and bordering areas. The staff works all the time and is impressive in the amount of hard scientific research that they do to contest ecological unsustainable or unreasonable development in the region. They deserve a huge amount of credit for protecting Wyoming in the face of the relentless oil and gas industry and other industries that put profit before sustainability.
This "charity" is not that at all. They promote using falsehoods and pictures that have been doctored. Molvar over-rates his knowledge constantly. You would be wise to avoid this so-called non-profit because they are not truthful in what they tell the public.
I did inventories of older files dealing with legal, public relations, and Federal agency work. (There was an amazing amount of material.) I am now working on sorting and listing clippings files. I am retired and I was asked to volunteer about two years ago. I have always been treated with humor and smarts by a dedicated staff that has always been quick to answer questions. I have occasionally had a free lunch from the deal.
Biodiversity Conservation Alliance is an outstanding organization that is willing to take measured, but tough stances in defense of wild places. Their staff is first rate with significant on the ground experience that leads credibility to their efforts. Their policy positions are grounded in a strong scientific perspective.
BCA is a hard hitting, no nonsense group that provides wildlife and natural places a strong voice to counter forces of exploitation and damage. But, in addition to their work to halt the damage, BCA also provides science-based conservation plans and positive alternatives to the status quo.
I haven't been in the area too long, but constantly find BCA promoting false statements about land usage. I support most of the stated mission of BCA, but find the organization to be fundamentally flawed.
I was in Laramie when BCA was founded and followed their important work for years. Inspite of tremendous pressure and rumors of death threats, they carried on helping to save Wyoming's wildness.With minimal but dedicated staff, I watched them accomplish miracles for wildlife species. I still keep up and donate every year, even though I've moved away! Someday I want to make one of the field trips to Red Desert & adobetown. best, Lynne Hull
Matthieu Ricard once said, "What counts is not the enormity of the task, but the size of the courage" This is what I have experienced over the years with BCA -- it is an organization filled with the kind of smart, caring people who just don't give up. And in Wyoming this counts for so much! Even tho some of the staff people have changed over the twenty years this group has been around, the mission hasn't -- they're still using science and law to win on behalf of clean rivers, old growth forests, restored prairies and all the beautiful wildlife living in these landscapes. It takes a lot of grist and heart not to go down into despair in this environmental crisis -- I love and admire all these folks for continuing their work. They inspire me.
I've rarely seen a more hardworking, knowledgeable, talented, and dedicated group of people in a non profit before. The history of BCA set the stage for the highly educated group that would follow the efforts of Lela Bruno when the group was called Friends of the Bow in stopping the ragged clear cutting of the Medicine Bow National Forest. Now they tackle education, leadership, litigation, organization, and fund raising in order to protect habitats, clean up tainted water from Coal Bed Methane production, and dedicate rare areas like Adobe Town, protecting the area from drilling and other destruction. We can also thank them for the reintroduction of the Black Footed Ferret and protecting the pocket gopher. This is a hard time for non profits, and we need to be certain that they remain in their habitat too!
This is a no-nonsense, pro-environment organization that provides a good balance between first trying to convince by reason and, if that doesn't work, going after the problem following law and the courts. The Director is a brilliant and seriously committed advocate for nature. He is not afraid to deal with -- mix it up with -- the largest of public or private agencies. He gets things done and decisions made! His small but dedicated staff is allowed to operate semi-autonomously, but internal communication remains strong and positive.
BCA HAS IMPRESSED ME CONSISTANTLY OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THEY ARE REMARKABLY EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE. THEY ARE VERY DESERVING OF INCREASED FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND ARE SUCH GOD STEWARDS ON HOW IT IS USED.
I have been impressed with BCA's willingness to partner with the faith community via the Wyoming Association of Churches. Also, their ability to take on tough issues in Wyoming through a science-based approach. Gutsy organization. I appreciate their Smart from the Start report on wind developmnet in Wyoming. Finally, they are an organized group that fights for the biodiversity of Wyoming.
I love this organization! I like its foundation in science, grassroots advocacy and direct experience with nature. I think its use of consensus is key for good decision making. I learn something every day at BCA and have high regard for my colleagues. BCA is hard-hitting and doesn't fall for fads in our field.
BCA is fantastic about getting the word out on issues. The only feedback I would have that is "constructive" is that sometimes, like so many environmental organizations, BCA relies on emotional rather than hard factual impact.
This organization is science-driven as it maneuvers through often difficult social, cultural and political realities. Its staff and board possess a clear understanding of its mission. We place only the need to maintain scientific, personal and organizational integrity on par with the importance of doing all our resources allow to protect wildlife and wild places in Wyoming and surrounding states.
BCA is an outstanding conservation organization with a dedicated staff and ambitious but effective goals. I only wish that BCA would team up with some of the fledgling conservation organizations in Idaho such as "Friends of the Clearwater." It would give BCA a broader base and would serve to strengthen the others.
This group is informed, passionate, and dedicated. Did I mention creative? They reach the public on many different levels including offering hands on trips to sites that they are intent on preserving. I support BCA to the MAX