What is the Izzak Walton League? courtesy of the Lois Green Sligo Chapter, IWLA

What is the Izaak Walton League?
Who was Izaak Walton?


	To strive for purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the beauty and understanding of nature, and the value of wildlife, woodlands and open space; to the preservation of this heritage and to man's sharing in it, I pledge myself as a member of the Izaak Walton League of America.

The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) is a national organization of hunters, anglers, and other conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts who work through volunteer, community-based action and education programs to ensure the sustainable use of America’s natural resources.

The League was founded in 1922 by a group of sportsmen who were concerned about how the rapid growth of America’s communities and industry was affecting the nation’s waterways. The rapid loss of valuable wetlands, forests, and other undisturbed wilderness areas also became a major concern to the fledgling League.

In 1927 League members organized the first national water pollution inventory at the request of President Calvin Coolidge. League involvement was vital to the enactment of the first federal water pollution control law in the 1940’s, as well as the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972. The IWLA also spearheaded legislative efforts leading to the enactment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well as the country’s first strip mining reclamation laws, and for the limitation of clear-cut logging practices in the national forests.

The IWLA has also led the charge to protect public lands. Creation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming, the Everglades, Isle Royale and Voyageurs national parks, and the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge were largely the result of League efforts.

Today, with over 50,00 members and supporters, the League offers a variety of ways for people to get involved, from joining one of over 350 local chapters and state divisions, to participating in "Save Our Streams," a hands-on program that teaches youths and adults how to monitor and protect streams.

Other IWLA programs focus on natural resources advocacy through state and federal legislation, outdoor ethics for recreationalists, community sustainability, energy efficiency and sustainable agricultural practices. To learn more about the mission, programs, history, or to learn how to join, visit the Izaak Walton League of America web site at www.iwla.org.

IWLA Conservation Advocacy Center
Follow the progress of legislation on issues important to the IWLA

How You Can Help
What you can do to assist in the fight for positive legislation

Young Ikes
Information and activities aimed at the League's young members

Chapters & Divisions
Search the IWLA database for the chapter closest to you