John Rust

Izaak Walton League of America (national office)

The Izaak Walton League was formed in 1922 to save outdoor America for future generations. The League is named after Izaak Walton, the 17th century author of The Compleat Angler, one of the first books about conservation and fishing. The League is one of the earliest organizations to set an aggressive course to defend wild America by changing public policy. Almost every major, successful conservation program in the U.S. can be traced directly to a League activity or initiative. Our work is guided entirely by grassroots volunteers. Throughout more than 260 communities, our chapters advance the mission of the Izaak Walton League â€" restoring watersheds, reducing air pollution, fighting litter, protecting wildlife habitat and open spaces, and instilling conservation ethics in outdoor recreationists. Members set policy through a democratic process that raises local issues to the state and national levels. The environment is everyone's issue. We believe that America needs smart solutions that are good for the environment and the economy at the same time. Relying on our unique blend of community-based conservation and common-sense advocacy, the League has made significant progress to protect and restore our nation's waters, promote clean energy, and advance sustainable agriculture.