Missoula, Mont. — Backcountry Hunters and Anglers announced Wednesday, July 19, to a surprised national conservation community that Land Tawney, the group’s president and CEO, will be leaving the organization, a move that goes into effect at the end of the month.
Tawney said Outdoor News His departure was due to a desire to spend more time with his family, the need to move abroad and a desire to gain recent perspective in the BHA position he held for 10 years.
With Tawney as a energetic and charismatic leader of a team of more than 30 people, BHA is influencing policy at the local and federal levels, playing an increasingly vital role in managing North America’s public lands and waters, winning conservation and access battles, and creating a “big tent” for nature lovers of all stripes.
“A big part of what made me make this decision was the fact that 10 years is a long time and I think it’s important to have fresh perspectives at BHA,” Tawney said. Outdoor News Wednesday afternoon. “I think fresh perspectives are important to me. I have two young children and they’re super important to me. And I think getting involved in the land, in the weeds, getting dirty is something I really miss, and I haven’t been able to do that all the time in my role as CEO.”
Tawney said he took on the CEO position because he wanted to facilitate people create a home for the environment, regardless of their age, location or political affiliation. A history major, he said he enjoyed staying up delayed with members of the group around the campfires of national and regional meetings, discussing topics from the environment to sports, politics and life in general.
“It’s all about people,” Tawney said. “There are a lot of conservation victories at the federal and state level … but it’s people who are going to continue conservation far into the future, and I think BHA has created a home for people who didn’t necessarily think they had a home in conservation.”
Under Tawney’s leadership, BHA grew from a miniature, volunteer-based, Western-focused organization of fewer than 1,000 members to an influential, pan-American organization with chapters in 48 states, the District of Columbia, two Canadian provinces, and one Canadian territory.
In a press release, the BHA cited several significant policy victories under Tawney, including permanently reauthorizing and fully funding the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund; effectively banning the employ of drones for hunting and reconnaissance across much of North America; thwarting a series of attempts to sell, transfer, or privatize public lands and waters (including legislation introduced—and then quickly withdrawn—by then-Congressman Jason Chaffetz); securing long-term protection for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Area; and, most recently, defending public access through a corner crossing in Wyoming.
During Tawney’s tenure, BHA established the Armed Forces Initiative, Collegiate Club, and Hunting for Sustainability programs.
Tawney said his favorite Minnesota moments during his decade of leadership included three visits to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Preserve and a public lands rally held at the Minnesota State Capitol in 2019.
“Land (Tawney) was the CEO of the group where many of us — who found ourselves as stranded volunteers — felt like we had found a home in BHA,” said Eli Mansfield, chairman of the Minnesota BHA board. “Land played a big role in creating a home for us and helping us find purpose.”
Mansfield said Tawney had the courage to face any battle and talk to any person. Whether he was the only person in the arena or surrounded by BHA members, he always looked for the conservatives and his love of the land.
Mansfield also mentioned Tawney’s love of Theodore Roosevelt; he quoted him during his Minnesota adventures. Mansfield said he appreciated what Tawney had done to develop the BHA and for providing a place for the many volunteers who wanted to make their voices heard.
Aaron Hebeisen, coordinator of the BHA chapter in five states, including Minnesota, described Tawney as “charismatic” and “the perfect person” to lead the BHA. The organization’s goal when Hebeisen joined the BHA was to grow its name and membership. He expects the BHA’s growth to continue.
“Land (Tawney) ticked a lot of boxes,” Hebeisen said. “He had a background in politics. He had a background in politics. He was willing and able to talk to anybody on either side of the aisle and he was able to do it in a way that was understandable but also in a way that he knew what he was talking about. He didn’t bullshit when you talked to him.”
The BHA North America Board of Directors will begin a search for Tawney’s successor immediately. During the transition period, BHA Vice President of Policy and Government Relations John Gale and Vice President of Operations Frankie McBurney Olson will serve as interim co-CEOs to lead the organization.
Mansfield and Hebeisen agreed that the recent CEO has substantial shoes to fill and they hope the next person shares BHA’s values and goals. Hebeisen said he wants the next CEO to understand BHA’s focus and continue to grow the organization.
In the face of an aging national environmental community, BHA has maintained a juvenile membership (63% of BHA members are 45 or younger) and politically diverse, split almost evenly between Republicans, Democrats, and independents.
Tawney said he will be traveling across the country several times a month as CEO and wants to spend more time with his family. He added that there are “a few irons in the fire” regarding his future and plans after leaving BHA. He did not want to reveal anything yet, but said he is excited about the future not only for himself and his family, but also for BHA.
“This opportunity to meet people from all over North America will be the joy of my life in so many ways,” Tawney said. “Conservation runs deep in my veins, and I look forward to contributing in other ways while continuing to be involved in conservation for the rest of my life.”
The BHA has not yet announced a date or location for the 2024 National Meeting.
