River Fields has been able to strike a rare balance in protecting and promoting both natural and cultural resources. Few organizations in America have achieved this vision.
Why is advocacy important for conservation? The term “advocacy” encompasses a broad range of activities – including education, organizing, and lobbying – used to influence public policy.
River Fields has gained national respect for our effective advocacy strategy, which works hand-in-hand with our land conservation program. For 65 years, we have advocated for the protection of land and water resources in balance with responsible growth in the region. Our mission as advocates is to speak out for thoughtful and creative solutions that promote planned development, growth management, greater public access, environmental and historic preservation, the enhancement of scenic views, urban design, and transportation reform.
We foster collaborative relationships with government agencies at the local, state and national levels, working closely with key agencies such as:
Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services
Louisville Metro Public Works
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The State Historic Preservation Offices of Kentucky and Indiana
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Federal Highway Administration,
Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA),
Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and
Many other organizations throughout the Ohio River Corridor
River Fields works with citizens and neighborhood associations, such as the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, the Kosmosdale Preservation Group, the Prospect/Harrods Creek Neighborhood Association, Butchertown Neighborhood Association, and the Southwest County Association of Neighborhoods. We provide advocacy services and support through consulting, toolkits, guidance, input, technical assistance, and regulatory expertise. If you have an advocacy issue related to the Ohio River and its lands that you want our support on or opposition to, contact CEO and President Kristin Faurest at kristin@riverfields.org. Whether it’s by giving informal helpful advice or supporting you at public hearings, we’re here for you.
Photo at River Fields’s Garvin Brown Preserve by John Nation.
