A message from our President

February 6, 2026-

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to introduce myself and say how excited I am to be joining this community as President of The Wilderness Land Trust.

For much of my career, I’ve worked at the intersection of wilderness conservation and storytelling, helping locals seek more durable protection for their big backyards- the places they grew up hunting, fishing, hiking, or paddling.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from almost two decades of engagement on preserving the shared heritage of our public lands, it’s that there are no quick wins. Instead, building reliable partnerships through patience and persistence is what carries the day. That kind of work requires discipline, trust, and a long view… qualities that I’d say feel especially important right now, as pressures on wild lands continue to grow and the pace of decision-making accelerates around them.

Patience. Persistence. Discipline. Trust. The Wilderness Land Trust has long embodied those values. Quietly, thoughtfully, and often without fanfare, the Trust has stepped in where others couldn’t, ensuring that extraordinary landscapes are made complete. I’m honored to help carry that work forward.

In fact, one of the things that drew me most strongly to the Trust is its unique role on the conservation spectrum. There are plenty of groups doing good work to expand the National Wilderness Preservation System, and plenty of groups doing good work to steward the lands in that System, but in the middle one finds The Wilderness Land Trust, doing very good work to make that system whole and healthy.

I feel lucky to be supported in our work by a world-class staff and a stellar Board of Directors. Together, we intend to continue to strive to preserve a rich legacy of protected wilderness through persistent, professional, and fair acquisitions of private land in and around wilderness areas, to help complete the promise of wilderness. Our work as a reliable partner to agencies and local communities will endure. And we’ll continue to steward our resources responsibly, knowing that every acre protected represents a promise kept.

We do all this because we know how meaningful wilderness is to you and your family, generating stories of adventure, discovery, and inspiration. These are special places that you and I both cherish, and that we both hope will remain wild and free. As an organization, we are motivated by the same values as you: a reverence for the land and the complex communities of life it supports.

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting The Wilderness Land Trust. I’m excited for the work ahead, and I look forward to learning from you as we continue it together.

With gratitude,

Anders Reynolds

President, The Wilderness Land Trust

anders@wildernesslandtrust.org

Mt. Shasta inholding protected

January 23, 2026-

The Wilderness Land Trust recently acquired a 1 acre inholding within the Mount Shasta Wilderness of northern California. You may be wondering why bother protecting one acre within the almost 37,000 acre wilderness area? But every inholding, no matter their size, is a tear in the fabric of wilderness protection.

The Mt. Shasta North property is home to an ancient lava flow from the still active volcano, and has sweeping views of the summit to the southeast and broad valleys to the west. Located only 1/4 mile off a trail, it had been purchased by the previous landowner with the intention of building on it. Now that the property has been protected, there are only three inholdings left within the Mt. Shasta Wilderness, making this acquisition a meaningful step toward completing the wilderness area.

Once the property is transferred to public ownership and added to the designated wilderness, we’ll have mended the tear, removing the gap in habitat connectivity and making the fabric of wilderness as whole stronger than before.

Saying farewell to Brad Borst

January 23, 2026-

Next week we’ll be saying farewell to Brad Borst after 9 years serving as the Trust’s president. If you’ve had the good fortune to interact directly with Brad during his tenure, you’ll know how dedicated, thoughtful, humble, and kind he is, and it will likely come as no surprise that he’d rather focus on the exciting next chapter for the Trust under Anders Reynolds’ leadership than have a fuss over him. But we’d be remiss to let him go without celebrating him and acknowledging all he’s given to the Trust.

“Brad’s steady leadership and unwavering dedication to the Trust have left a lasting imprint on both our organization and our mission. Under his guidance, the organization has matured into a resilient, sustainable institution, one that is equipped to remain relevant in the face of rapid ecological, climatic, and political change. Thank you, Brad, for keeping the promise of wilderness in your heart and in your hands. Happy trails,” says Trust board chair Sarah Chase Shaw.

Brad has helped to grow the Trust, adding new staff capacity, expanding our work east of the Rockies, and building new funding relationships to make our work possible. He has steadily guided the organization through the uncertainties of the pandemic and shifting administration priorities. Brad has created and nurtured a culture at the Trust that is truly a joy to be a part of, where staff are supported and cared for— he is the rare kind of leader who is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving those around him.

We are so grateful for Brad’s dedication and the opportunity to work alongside him. Join us in wishing Brad the best in wherever the trail takes him next!

Introducing the Trust’s new President: Anders Reynolds

January 9, 2026-

As many of you know, Brad Borst is stepping down after nine years at the helm of The Wilderness Land Trust. Over the past several months, our board of directors has undertaken a national search for our next leader to carry forward the Trust’s mission.

We are thrilled to announce that Anders Reynolds will be joining the Trust as President on January 15th! Originally from Wynne, Arkansas, Anders attended Rhodes College and Johns Hopkins University. For the majority of his career, he’s engaged federal lawmakers on public land policy, most recently with the Southern Environmental Law Center and Pew Charitable Trusts. In those roles, he’s proud to have played a part in achieving durable wilderness protection for landscapes in Tennessee, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada, and Southern Utah. His work has included building resilient coalitions of diverse stakeholders, offering policy expertise to federal decision-makers, and amplifying the passion of local advocates who love their big backyards just the way they are. He has extensive federal and state campaign experience and previously worked on Capitol Hill. He has also served as Board Chair of both the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and the Virginia Wilderness Committee. In his free time, Anders is an avid runner, a crossword completist, a pizza enthusiast, and the proud companion of two dumpster dogs, Crash and Cora.

As the Trust continues to navigate uncertainty in the national wilderness conservation landscape, Anders’ expertise in engaging local communities and federal decision-makers alike will be invaluable. “We are thrilled to welcome Anders as our next President. His passion for wilderness is palpable, and his leadership will propel The Wilderness Land Trust’s mission forward at a pivotal moment. A natural problem solver, Anders understands the power of partnerships in addressing complex challenges, and his vision will help advance a seamless wilderness system that honors the spirit and intent of the original Wilderness Act” says Sarah Chase Shaw, board chair.

Vice President and Senior Land Specialist Aimee Rutledge adds, “The staff are all very excited about Anders joining the Trust. He brings deep experience with wilderness, intelligence, and team-building skills to navigate challenges, develop opportunities, and deepen the Trust’s impact.”

Brad will stay on through the end of January to work with Anders and the staff to ensure a successful transition. “The Wilderness Land Trust’s reputation precedes it, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining this hard-working staff and board in their efforts to protect wild places before they’re lost,” says Anders.  “From ensuring recreation access to protecting watersheds, wilderness is the gold standard protection for the public lands that we all share. Making whole those shared landscapes only happens when an organization is willing to plan smartly, step in early, and work tenaciously. That’s the model The Wilderness Land Trust has refined over decades, and it’s the work I’m excited to lead. I look forward to connecting with you, our partners and supporters, in the coming weeks and months.” You can reach Anders at Anders@wildernesslandtrust.org

Private inholding in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Protected

December 12, 2025-

The Wilderness Land Trust has protected a 20-acre inholding property within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The property, known as the Busher Claim, was privately owned with mining claims dating back to 1884. The Trust purchased the property with the goal of transferring it to public ownership to be added to the wilderness area.

The Busher Claim property sits on the slopes above the popular hiking destination of Cumberland Basin, below Pearl Mountain and Castle Peak. Its fragile high-alpine ecosystem provides important wildlife habitat as well as pristine viewsheds for recreationists. Because it is located near the Pearl Pass Road, an OHV route from Aspen to Crested Butte, the property was at higher risk of development.

The property has now been protected from development thanks to the generous support of Trust donor Kim Kanas of Longmont, Colorado through the Wilderness Opportunity Fund. Once transferred to public ownership, it will enjoy the highest level of protection available to public lands as designated wilderness, which can only be altered by an act of Congress, not through executive order or administration directive.

To date, The Wilderness Land Trust has protected 35 properties in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, including recently partnering with Pitkin County on the landmark conservation deal to protect the 650-acre Snowmass Falls Ranch outside Snowmass Village.

Private inholdings protected in Maroon Bells-Snowmass and Weminuche Wilderness Areas, a win for recreationists

December 3, 2025-

The Wilderness Land Trust has recently protected three private properties within Colorado wilderness: the 20-acre Busher Claim in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, the 30-acre Needle Creek property, and the 31-acre Great Western Lode in the Weminuche Wilderness

The properties were previously privately owned, and at risk of development. Nationwide there are over 275,000 acres of private property, known as inholdings, within designated wilderness areas. Unlike the surrounding wilderness, they are not protected and can be developed with homes, resorts, timber, and mining operations. The Wilderness Land Trust works with willing sellers to purchase these properties and protect them to benefit public access, wildlife habitat, and healthy watersheds.

The Busher Claim, which the Trust recently purchased, sits on the slopes above the popular hiking destination of Cumberland Basin, below Pearl Mountain and Castle Peak. Its fragile high alpine ecosystem provides important wildlife habitat as well as pristine viewsheds for recreationists. Because it is located near the Pearl Pass Road, an OHV route from Aspen to Crested Butte, the property was at a higher risk of development. It has now been protected from development thanks to the generous support of Kim Kanas of Longmont, Colorado. With the acquisition complete, the Trust will now work to transfer the property to public ownership.

The Needle Creek property was acquired by the Trust earlier in 2025, and has now been transferred to public ownership and added to the Weminuche Wilderness. Running through the property are both Needle Creek and the Needle Creek Trail, which is used by hikers and climbers to access the very popular Chicago Basin and its surrounding 14,000+ peaks. With flat, buildable stream-side sites, the property was previously at risk of development. Now protected, public access on the trail to Chicago Basin has been ensured for future generations to enjoy. Needle Creek is an important tributary to the Animas River. This water source, along with vibrant aspen groves that stretch from the creek up the slopes of the Needle Mountains, create habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The Needle Creek property scores high for climate change resilience, biodiversity, and landscape connectivity, all important conservation values that will be protected as wilderness.

The Great Western Lode, which the Trust acquired in 2022, was also recently transferred to public ownership.  Located about five miles north of the Needle Creek project in the Weminuche Wilderness, the property protects fragile alpine tundra habitat. Like the Needle Creek project, the addition of Great Western Lode to the wilderness area secures public access on a popular trail. The Whitehead Trail runs through the property and connects the Continental Divide Trail, a National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Canada, to the Highland Mary Trail and Deer Park Trails, which are easily accessible from the town of Silverton, Colorado, a year-round recreation destination. All but 6 acres of Great Western Lode have been added to wilderness area, with the remaining 6 acres, which extends outside of the established wilderness boundary, added to San Juan National Forest to be managed as wilderness.

These properties will be protected as designated wilderness, which enjoys the highest level of protection available to public lands that can only be altered by an act of Congress, not executive orders or other administration directives.

To date, The Wilderness Land Trust has protected 198 properties in Colorado, totaling over 7,300 acres. The Trust’s work to protect Colorado’s most wild landscapes can be supported during Colorado Gives Day on December 9th at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Wildernesslandtrust, or anytime at www.wildernesslandtrust.org/get-involved/donate-now/

In the organization’s 33-year history, The Wilderness Land Trust has worked to keep the promise of wilderness by acquiring private land in and around wilderness from willing landowners and transferring them to public ownership. In this time, the Trust has purchased and transferred 616 properties totaling over 59,000 acres from Arizona to Alaska, completing 18 wilderness areas by removing their last remaining private inholdings. With each transfer, we come one step closer to completing the vision of the Wilderness Act.

 

Join us in welcoming Kay McConagha to our board of directors!

November 28, 2025-

Please join us in welcoming Kay McConagha to our board of directors!

Kay is an accomplished financial and operational leader with more than 40 years of experience guiding mission-driven organizations toward sustainable growth and long-term impact. As COO/CFO of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Foundation, she brings a deep commitment to responsible financial stewardship, strategic planning, and building strong internal systems that empower teams and advance organizational mission.

Equally passionate about community and conservation, Kay spends her time in the Southwest – where her love of the outdoors inspires her work with national nonprofits and her dedication to environmental stewardship. A CPA, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and Six Sigma Black Belt Professional, she blends technical expertise with a lifelong commitment to strengthening organizations and the natural places that support them.

We are excited to have Kay on board, and look forward to the deep experience and insights she will bring to our volunteer board of directors.

Why continue to invest in public lands?

October 31, 2025-

Since January, we have seen a steady stream of efforts to weaken protections for public lands, from proposals to sell off large swaths of land, to executive orders and administrative rule changes altering how they are managed. In the face of these challenges, we have received variations of the same question from partners and supporters: why continue to add properties to public lands, given these efforts to weaken protections for them?

The answer is both nuanced and also very simple. To start with the simple: we believe that wilderness and public lands are a legacy that is greater than any one administration or political moment in time, so we continue to work every day to invest in its promise for future generations. The greatest protection for our wild places is not a single piece of legislation or administrative rule, it is how they inspire and touch the lives of people from diverse walks of life, creating wilderness advocates on both sides of the political aisle. It is this broad coalition of support that has halted almost every effort we’ve seen this year to sell off or weaken protections for public lands. And it is why we believe the legacy of wilderness and public lands will endure.

Unlike privately owned lands, which often serve to profit the few, public lands belong to us all and are managed by a public process that gives us a voice in their future. And while that public process isn’t always perfect, and may not always align with our personal views, we have seen it work as it has halted almost every recent effort to weaken public lands. The democratic process that governs our public lands, backed by the strong coalition supporting them, create the foundation on which the Trust’s mission to protect wild places through public ownership is built.

Before the Trust takes on a project, we evaluate how vulnerable it is under private ownership, as well as how vulnerable it would be under public ownership. Almost always, the risk of development to private lands is much greater than to public lands because of the significant public input and oversight that goes into public lands management, often at the local level. Once transferred, many of our projects are added to designated wilderness, which enjoy the highest level of protection of any public lands that can only be altered by an act of Congress, not by executive order or administration directive. For others that are added to National Forest or Bureau of Land Management lands, we work with our local partners to evaluate how wilderness values will be protected under current management plans and rules, as well as how unique attributes of the property, such as motorized access or mineral development potential, might impact how they are managed. We only move forward with projects when we are confident that they will be better protected as public lands than under private ownership. 

This is a time when it is important to pay attention to and speak up about decisions being made. But it is also a time when we must continue to believe in and invest in things that transcend the day’s headlines. For many of us, it is exactly that which draws us to wilderness as something that is bigger than any one person or moment in time. As a member of our community, we hope you’ll continue to join us in that belief as we invest in the promise and future of wilderness. As always, we welcome your questions, concerns, and feedback about how we work and the impact we are creating together.

Annie Creek added to Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

October 17, 2025-

The Payette Land Trust and Wilderness Land Trust partnered to purchase a 94-acre private inholding within Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in August 2024, safeguarding Annie Creek from development. This property was recently transferred into public ownership, adding it to the designated wilderness area.

The Annie Creek property is located near the western edge of the wilderness area, approximately 40 miles from McCall, Idaho. Surrounded by the steep, forested terrain characteristic of the Frank Church, the property includes gentler slopes, creeks, wetlands, and flat building sites, which were used in the early 1900s during Idaho’s mining boom. Located near a well-maintained road, the property was particularly vulnerable to development. Private inholdings within designated wilderness areas carry none of the protections of the surrounding wilderness and can be developed with cabins, resorts, or even industrial sites. The threat of development was removed when the two land trusts, with generous support from the Leuthold Foundation, purchased the inholding from a private owner. Now in public hands, Annie Creek will enjoy the highest level of protection available to public lands as designated wilderness, which can only be altered by an act of Congress, not through executive order or administration directive.

At 2.3 million acres, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states and is home to over 180 miles of the free-flowing Salmon River. Its large, connected habitats are rich in biodiversity with over 280 species of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The addition of the Annie Creek property to the wilderness area will help protect important wildlife habitat and strengthen connectivity across the landscape.

“Idaho is changing at a rapid rate which requires voluntary partnerships between private landowners, organizations and foundations to conserve Idaho’s natural beauty. We are proud to work with The Wilderness Land Trust and the Leuthold Foundation to conserve this unique landscape into the future”

-Payette Land Trust Executive Director, Craig Utter

“Thanks to our partnerships with the Payette Land Trust and the Leuthold Foundation, this special place will be protected for future generations to enjoy in one of America’s most iconic wilderness areas”

-The Wilderness Land Trust President, Brad Borst

In the organization’s 33-year history, The Wilderness Land Trust has worked to keep the promise of wilderness by acquiring these private inholdings from willing landowners and transferring them to federal ownership to become designated wilderness. In this time, the Trust has purchased and transferred 614 properties totaling over 59,000 acres from Arizona to Alaska, completing 18 wilderness areas by removing their last remaining private inholdings. With each transfer, we come one step closer to completing the vision of the Wilderness Act. Learn more at www.wildernesslandtrust.org.

Payette Land Trust (PLT) works to conserve the wild and working lands of West Central Idaho by partnering with private landowners, communities, and conservation organizations to balance conservation and development. PLT currently owns or holds conservation easements on 21 properties totaling 3,891 acres across Adams, Idaho, Valley, and Washington counties. Through projects like the Annie Creek partnership, PLT advances its mission of voluntary, community-based conservation for the benefit of current and future generations. Learn more at www.payettelandtrust.org.

960 acres protected in California’s Bodie Hills

October 3, 2025-

Where the high peaks of the eastern Sierra and Yosemite National Park meet the sagebrush steppe, the Bodie Hills of California remain one of the state’s most ecologically intact landscapes with some of its highest biodiversity. Here The Wilderness Land Trust recently acquired a 960-acre property adjoining the Granite Mountain Wilderness area, removing a significant threat of development from this important landscape.

The Granite Mountain North property was purchased from private owners who had plans for residential development on it. With a road already built and well drilled on the property, the risk of development was well on its way. But over the course of seven years, the Trust worked with the landowners to find a different path forward for the property, completing the purchase of it last month. With the almost thousand-acre property now conserved, we have ensured its habitat for sage grouse and wild horses, as well as raptor nesting sites will be protected. Beyond the boundaries of the property itself, this acquisition helps maintain a buffer around the designated wilderness area, also benefiting its habitat, wildlife migration corridors, and scenic viewsheds.

Standing on the Granite Mountain North property with open views across the Bodie Hills and Mono Lake you can point to several other Wilderness Land Trust projects on horizon. With your support we have now protected around 8,000 acres in total in the area, stitching together a fragmented patchwork of public and private lands into a more unified and protected landscape.