Planning and Conservation League Honored as Affiliate of the Year
- Cait Fallon
- Jun 04, 2025
RESTON, Va. — The Planning and Conservation League (PCL) has received the National Wildlife Federation’s Affiliate of the Year Award to celebrate its leadership in creating some of California’s most crucial environmental laws and policies that address climate change and protection wildlife conservation funding.
“PCL has stepped forward time and again to demonstrate commitment to community and conservation that is truly remarkable,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Thanks to their decisive and collaborated efforts both wildlife and people will benefit from cleaner, increased access to water, protected ecosystems, and an organization that centers their needs.”
As historic wildfires decimate California’s communities and wild spaces, PCL served as an inspiration by acting in the wake of crisis to advance environmental policy. Most recently, PCL aided in the passage of Proposition 4, which will provide $10 billion to protect water quality, increase water supplies, prevent wildfires and related impacts, conserve biodiversity, and ensure frontline communities have access to safe drinking water, shade, and green space. PCL was instrumental in ensuring that the National Wildlife Federation was the prime sponsor for the historic bond.
“I have always believed that you should give more than you take,” said Howard Penn, executive director of the Planning and Conservation League. “I have encountered so many communities that do just that and its inspired me to work to find solutions that intersect wildlife, the environment, and people who call this state home. I’m honored for PCL to receive this award and look forward to another decade of doing the work.”
The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama, and other national leaders, including U.S. Senator John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.
