American Lands was founded in 1991 at the height of the Ancient Forest wars in the Pacific Northwest. Known then as the Western Ancient Forest Campaign [WAFC], the organization was created and remains governed by grassroots leaders to ensure that activists’ voices and issues are raised in Washington, DC where decisions on national forests are made.



We provide national leadership on forest policy issues by combining grassroots experience with a deep understanding of Beltway politics. This unique combination is fundamentally important to achieving effective and cutting edge forest protection and restoration policy.



American Lands was created in recognition of the fact that national policies irrevocably impact local forests and conversely, local forest protection organizations acting alone had limited success affecting national policies.



American Lands is headquartered in Washington DC to effectively educate and advocate for sound forest and wildlands protection. Our strategies focus on forest policy, organizing, advocacy and education.



Philosophy and Program

American Lands’ programs are designed to protect and restore functioning ecosystems and address the underlying threats to them. Our programs rely on science-based solutions. Economists have demonstrated that the "earth services" provided by natural systems, including clean water, clean air and climate stabilization, often far exceed the value of commodity extraction. Yet, wildlands are being altered and developed at an alarming rate. All living things – humans, plants and animals – need these natural systems for survival and quality of life.



The liquidation of forests and loss of biodiversity are caused by more than logging. At the heart of the problem is a global economic model that places consumption, trade and unlimited development above the values of environmental and economic sustainability and social justice. American Lands’ staff has expertise in federal and non-federal forest lands, fire ecology, grasslands, sustainable forestry, and endangered species issues, and works to develop proactive policies in each area.