Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

NAA Board of Directors 2025

Hail & Farewell

Natural Areas Association (NAA) wishes to thank several outgoing board members for their service and welcome two new board members.

Thank you to Bill Holimon, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Ryan Klopf, Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Terri Hogan, National Park Service, Peggy Olwell, Bureau of Land Management, , and board president, Roger McCoy, Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, for your leadership!

Congratulations to Kelly Heintz, the newly elected NAA board president.

Please join us in welcoming Ole Amundsen, LegacyWorks Group and Todd Lopez, Rio Grande, who return as the newest members of the NAA Board.

On Dec. 18, 2024, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the America’s Conservation Enhancement Restoration (ACE) Act, a law that would reauthorize several key conservation programs through 2030. The ACE Act reauthorizes funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Despite chaotic moments, there remained a bipartisan commitment to getting some important conservation policies over the finish line during the final weeks of the 118th Congress. From adding new protections to coastal areas and safeguarding vital bird habitat, to establishing new funding for global conservation projects, these wins will conserve vital habitats for years to come.

New University of Minnesota research suggests that seeding native plants alongside invasive removal efforts may turn the tide in the battle against buckthorn. Buckthorn is one of Minnesota’s most widespread invasive species. Each year millions of dollars are spent trying to remove it from the state’s woodlands and forests. Most attempts offer a temporary reprieve as buckthorn quickly re-establishes dominance.

U.S. wildlife officials announced a decision to extend federal protections to monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) after years of warnings from environmentalists that populations are shrinking and the beloved pollinator may not survive climate change. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to add the butterfly to the threatened species list by the end of 2025 following an extensive public comment period.

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