HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT THE PUBLIC LANDS ALLIANCE
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Partners of the Cherokee National Forest

This fall, Partners of the Cherokee National Forest embarked on an inspiring process to create a regional map of the Southern Appalachians with regards to recreation opportunities across public lands. 

Read our Member Spotlight to learn who helped them create this map, and then download your own copy to visit these amazing places!
The Public Lands Alliance Applauds Passage of the Centennial Act

Earlier this month, the House and Senate passed the Centennial Act which will establish increased partnership opportunities for national parks and a Centennial Challenge Fund to help leverage private dollars with fee dollars and complete signature park projects. The Public Lands Alliance is eager to work with the National Park Service to help begin implementation of the Centennial Challenge and new education authorities in the new year.

Prepare for Capitol Hill Day Through our Webinar this January

Join the Public Lands Alliance and the National Parks Conservation Association on January 24, from 2 - 3:30 p.m. (Eastern) to learn the basics of scheduling meetings, what to expect on Hill Day and how to follow-up with your elected officials after the event. This webinar is for Public Lands Alliance nonprofit members and those attending Capitol Hill Day on Thursday, February 16.

Register Today for Our Convention this February

Join us for high level conversations with leaders from land management agencies and nonprofit partners, and access our premier trade show. 

Not sure if our convention is right for you? First, hear from Red Rock Canyon Leaders Blaine and Andy on why they choose to attend our convention year after year and then, register today.

Already Registered?  You can maximize your convention experience by attending an in-depth pre-con workshop, participating in Capitol Hill Day or touring Ford's Theatre

Contact our Registrar to add-on any of these opportunities to your existing registration.
The Friends Alliance Will Be Convening at Our 2017 Convention

The Friends Alliance - an informal network of philanthropic national park partners - will be convening jointly with the Public Lands Alliance at our 2017 Convention and Trade Show. Attendees that register for the convention will have access to the Friends Alliance meeting for no additional registration fee. 

MEMBERSHIP
Less than One Month to Renew Your Membership for 2017

The Public Lands Alliance greatly appreciates the support and commitment of our members. All 2016 members are up for renewal for the 2017 year. If you haven't yet, please consider renewing with us by completing your pledge form and submitting your dues by January 13, 2017.

For nonprofits that are not currently members, we would love to welcome you to our public lands community.  Learn more and join today . MemberNews
MEMBER NEWS
Colorado Canyons Association Hosts Students to Develop Ecological Restoration and Monitoring Plans

This fall, Colorado Canyons Association (CCO) hosted three senior Capstone students from Colorado Mesa University's Environmental Sciences and Technology undergraduate program to develop an ecological restoration and monitoring plan for a parcel of private land along the Colorado River within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. 

Great Smoky Mountains Chimney Tops Fire

In late November, Great Smoky Mountains National Park faced one of the largest wildfires in its history amidst a period of extended drought. Approximately 11,000 acres of the park were burned by the fire, which started at Chimney Tops mountain in the center of the park and spread to the nearby town of Gatlinburg. Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) have both stepped up for relief efforts. 
Gatlinburg smoke the night of the wildlfire. Photo by Gary Wilson.

Please consider supporting the park through the Friends of the Smokies relief fund . To learn more about the fire, check out page 10 of GSMA's Winter Smokies Guide .
Arctic Youth Ambassadors Continue to Lead

Since presenting at our 2016 Convention and Trade Show last March, the Arctic Youth Ambassadors (a program led by Alaska Geographic, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Department of the Interior) have been busy sharing their local cultures and stories and educating the public about the challenges Alaska faces.

Read the latest from Arctic Youth Ambassador Emory Terada ,who reflects on his home, Dutch Harbor, and the importance of protecting the fishing town from ocean acidification.Marketplace
Marketplace
View the latest specials from our Corporate Partners
Pathfinder Wildlife Collection: Celebrating Earth's Wildlife

New this year... Ornaments!

Touchstone Pottery's Pathfinder Porcelain Wildlife Pendant line keeps growing! Thanks to PLA members enthusiastic support, they've added new wildlife designs - now 133 Pathfinder pendants, pins and ornaments from which to choose! Wildlife that is so iconic to your park is captured in exceptional detail, with customizable designs or park logos.  Packaged with their printed interpretive facts, Pathfinders promote discovery and appreciation for the wonders of our wildlife. Exceptional quality/ Made In America /Eye-catching display options / Sales are fully guaranteed/ Incentive pricing is available.

Green Goo by Sierra Sage

Green Goo is a women-owned, family operated business and a certified B Corp. All products are made in the USA with 100% natural ingredients. They started small, making products for friends, family, and local farmers and now aim to make organic more available and affordable, while educating the world on sustainable business and healthcare practices. 

As they have grown, they remain committed to their roots with a deep commitment to making pure products safe for you, your family, and the environment while making a positive impact on the planet. www.greengoohelps.com .Agency
ADMINISTRATION AND AGENCY UPDATES
OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
Overtime Rule on Hold After Court Action

An update to last month's Newswire, where we shared information on the Labor Department's Overtime Final Rule, the rule has since been placed on hold due to a federal court ruling against it. According to the link above from the National Council of Nonprofits, organizations should still understand and comply with existing federal Fair Labor Standards Act regulations and be aware that the ruling could still be put in place in a matter of weeks or months.
T he Public Lands Alliance Wants to List Your Job Opportunities

Check out our current listings on the  Job Board  and submit your seasonal, part-time and full-time employment opportunities.