Why We Give
Lee Ann Warner
Leverett, MA
Donor Since 2011
CLF Member, Advocate’s Society
Lee Ann and her husband Stuart
We appreciated CLF’s dedication to important, complex causes whose outcomes have long-term consequences for our environment and our health.
Why do you continue to give to CLF?
CLF has remained committed to the long haul fight, sticking with their projects through every turn of events. The monied interests hold great power and know how to fast-track projects through the regulatory process. CLF is an essential advocate for citizens at large by standing up for communities and holding government officials, developers and industries to the highest standards needed to protect our environment.
In terms of its effect upon your life, do you have a favorite CLF program, lawsuit or even personal experience?
CLF has been instrumental in fighting a wasteful and unhealthy biomass incinerator in Springfield, MA, in the heart of an Environmental Justice community.
What do you think sets CLF apart from other environmental organizations in your area?
CLF exhibits exceptional legal and regulatory expertise, and they know how state government works. They tackle the tough cases to take the essential lead on shaping environmental policy to benefit New England residents who want clean air, clean water and sustainable natural resources. The implications of some of the important court decisions and CLF’s sway in the political and regulatory landscape make them pioneers in environmental policy for the state, nation and the world.
Chris Morahan
Chris and his wife Corinne Schneider with their son Landon
Needham, MA
Donor Since 2005
CLF Member, Employer Matching Gift Participant
“I grew up in Massachusetts and I will always treasure my New England roots. Last summer, my wife and I took our son Landon to Maine for the first time. It was his first encounter with the ocean, and the first of many trips to the Maine seacoast. We hope he will always have clean air to breathe, clean water to swim in, and the lifelong opportunity to experience our awesome natural surroundings. These joys are in danger of deteriorating if we don’t actively protect our environment.
Supporting CLF enables us to stay current with the issues affecting the region, learn about ways we can contribute and provide needed resources for this important mission. Best of all, it’s one step we can take to improve Landon’s future.
With a few minutes of work and some information from CLF, my company was able to match my donation dollar for dollar. I recommend that all donors take a few minutes to investigate their employer’s matching gift program. The opportunity to double the impact of my donation is one I will seize every time.”
Honor Passow
Etna, NH
Donor Since 2010
CLF Member, Advocate’s Society
“Environmental conservation is a tradition in my family. My parents have worked a lifetime to conserve wild lands in New Hampshire, and I witnessed that effort from a young age. Now, my husband Christian and I are instilling those same values in our two sons. At 14 and 10, our sons have grown up seeing that we do things differently than many families. The kids work with us to reduce our resource consumption and purchase only what we need. Our family’s most joyous times are spent in New Hampshire’s glorious wild places, hiking, biking, canoeing and cross-country skiing. Our love of nature is the reality that grounds each new step our family takes to reduce our environmental impact.
When I attended my first meeting at CLF over 20 years ago, I realized that policy strategies for environmental conservation are just as important as technology innovations and personal choices. I knew that our family commitment to environmental conservation had to include community and policy action. My husband agrees. By contributing to CLF, we can support high-quality work that is outside the range of our skills and available time. Our family sees supporting CLF as one important aspect of acting on our sense of responsibility for our environmental impact.”
Linda Cabot
Westwood, MA
Donor Since 2004
CLF Member, Advocate’s Society, and Ocean Conservation Program Donor
What role has the ocean played in your life?
I’ve always been interested in the sea. Growing up, I sailed a lot with my family around the Gulf of Maine, and as an artist, I’ve been painting seascapes and landscapes. I love the beauty of the ocean. More recently, my husband and I have had a sailboat for 12 years and done a lot of
coastal cruising.
How did you become interested in ocean conservation issues?
I think the interest came from sailing and being on the water. Spending so much time on the ocean, I became fascinated in what’s below the surface, and I started doing some of my own research to learn more about the health of the oceans.
What did you learn about ocean conservation issues from those experiences?
Growing up on the Gulf of Maine, I’ve witnessed vibrant coastal communities in which many people make their living from the local waters. The health of the local waters is what allows these communities to thrive and survive. One goes with the other—to have healthy oceans affects the health of the local communities, and both those things are important.
You have two teenage daughters. What would you like them to learn about the ocean?
We’ve been trying to educate our daughters about oceans and marine life since they were very young. Now that they are becoming college age, before they leave home, I definitely want to raise their awareness about the ocean. To maintain the health of the oceans, we need to engage a younger generation to advocate on its behalf, and I know that my daughters will want to be a part of that.
Why do you choose to support CLF?
Growing up in New England, I’m personally partial to this area, and I like that CLF concentrates its efforts in this region. CLF is also able to balance its commitment to preserving the health of the oceans with supporting fishermen and local communities. For example, I was pleased to hear recently that the local cod population is beginning to come back. I know that’s the result of work that CLF has done to tighten controls on cod fishing, and at the same time, they’ve been able to do that in a way that protects the livelihoods of fishermen. CLF works every day to protect the New England coast that is an important part of my life, and I support CLF because they’re very effective in what they do and they get results.
M. Robin Barone
Robin with her husband, Sydney Lea (Photo courtesy of A. Jordan Lea)
Newbury, VT
Donor Since 2003
CLF Member, Board of Trustees, Vermont Advisory Board, and Champion’s Club Member
“As the parents of five children, my husband and I have always felt very strongly about passing on our love of the outdoors. Now that our two oldest have children of their own, it’s become even more important to us to ensure that some part of the environment is maintained so that our grandchildren will be able to continue doing the activities that we’ve always enjoyed as a family. CLF is uniquely poised to help safeguard the New England region. If I couldn’t count on myself going forward to support CLF, I would lose any optimism that I have about the future of the planet. In times like these, we have to rely on institutions like CLF.
“We are members of the CLF Champions Club because we’ve both served as presidents of non-profit organizations and know how important it is to have a steady stream of charitable giving. By having our donation taken out monthly via credit card, we know that CLF will get a regular contribution without our having to think about it.”
Louise Durfee
Tiverton, RI
Donor Since 2001
CLF Member, Rhode Island Advisory Board and Charles Cabot Society Member
“I have been advocating for the environment in my personal and professional life for many years – as both former Director of the RI Department of Environmental Management and as an avid outdoorswoman. The environment is important to me as a Rhode Islander who enjoys the many open spaces, the water, and the parks our small state has to offer.
“I am the current Chair of CLF’s Rhode Island Advisory Board, where I have served since 2000, but I have supported CLF for most of my life. I believe that CLF’s tireless advocates have the skills to fight for and protect our environment: they are there when you really need them. CLF is extremely effective because they change public policy and they use the law to create a cleaner environment for Rhode Islanders.
“A few years ago I joined the Charles Cabot Society – where donors, big or small, make planned and estate gifts to CLF. These donors play a special role in ensuring that CLF’s voice will continue to be heard. This was important to me because I know that through my bequest, my family will understand my deep commitment to the environment.
“I can’t think of a better way to help an organization like CLF thrive into the future than to make its legacy my legacy. I want to be sure I am leaving Rhode Island in the well-protected hands of the advocates of CLF so that generations to come can benefit from their great work.”
Rob Leeson
Wakfield, RI
Donor Since 1996
CLF Member, Rhode Island Advisory Board, Advocate’s Society
What is it about the situation in Matunuck that concerns you in particular?
We still do not have a town or state plan to deal with the rising ocean levels despite continuous loss of the beach to erosion over the past several decades. Now, at the 11th hour, the town is pushing an ill-conceived project that will put a wall on the beach that will be enormously expensive to build and maintain. When all is said and done the homes, businesses, road, water line — and the beach, for that matter — will likely be washed away anyhow at the rate we’re going.
Why do you think CLF is uniquely suited to address this issue?
CLF has, in its multi-state staff, the scientific, environmental and legal abilities to fully and carefully analyze this situation and help to develop a sensible solution and long-range plan to protect our people, our beaches and our property from sea level rise in the face of a changing climate.
Why is it important that a regional organization be involved?
The solution the town is proposing in Matunuck, if approved, has the potential to set bad precedent that will resonate far beyond that strip of beach. CLF, because of its broader mission, is using the Matunuck example to force a more responsible, climate-aware approach to coastal policy that can be adapted to protect other coastal states in New England and perhaps even provide a model for the rest of the country.
What is the outcome that you hope to see as a CLF member and supporter?
A plan for protecting our coasts and our communities from sea level rise in the face of climate change is long overdue. This is an extremely difficult issue, but the Matunuck case is a wake-up call for the state. I hope that CLF will help to bring about both a short-term solution and a long-term plan of action for the people of Matunuck and all of New England’s coastal communities that rely on these precious resources. I’m glad CLF has the foresight to fight for good precedent on a defining issue for our region.
Kristin Miller Morales
Portsmouth, NH
Donor Since 2007
CLF Member
What prompted you to first give to CLF?
Four years ago the Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle’s focus was on improving the environment and, after much in-depth research, we chose the Conservation Law Foundation as the organization to receive our joint gift. I was very impressed with how effective CLF was and have since been convinced that our gift is being put to very good use.
Why do you continue to give to CLF?
I have kept apprised of CLF’s growth and successful initiatives and continue to be impressed with both how well the organization is run and with how effective the organization is at addressing dangerous environmental threats in our region, threats that impact our communities now and that will only get worse if ignored. The research and missions taken on by CLF are in areas that I care deeply about and I am happy that I can give back to my community by donating to CLF
In terms of its effect upon your life, do you have a favorite CLF program, lawsuit or even personal experience?
As someone who runs, hikes, and bikes along some of NH’s lakes, rivers, and ocean waterfronts, I am particularly excited about the Waterkeeper program. I love watching the bird species in the area, and have enjoyed watching fishermen and aspiring boaters – my son among them. Unfortunately, there have been a number of times when I have seen what looks like oil or other pollution floating on the top layer of the bays of Portsmouth and New Castle, or on South Mill Pond. I love the idea that the Waterkeeper will keep an eye over these important waterways and be engaged in a dialogue with members of the surrounding communities who want to help to protect these important wildlife habitats and recreation areas for future generations.
Kate Kilguss
Rehoboth, MA
Donor Since 1998
CLF Member, Rhode Island Advisory Board and Advocate’s Society
Why did you first give to CLF?
It was CLF’s role in the development of the Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) for Rhode Island’s ocean waters. A presentation made clear not only the expertise of the CLF staff but also their ability to collaborate with others in protecting competing economic interests, including fisheries, renewable energy siting; and protecting critical habitat. It was a forward thinking, proactive, substantive legal and policy initiative and I wanted to support that kind of environmental protection.
Why do you continue to give?
I am interested in the legal and policy initiatives that CLF advocates for, defends and formally comments on: from odiferous landfills to carbon sequestration, transportation policy and renewable energy – the breadth of their expertise is remarkable.
What sets CLF apart from other environmental organizations in your area?
CLF embraces almost all the New England region and addresses its myriad environmental issues. Their staff expertise and credibility encompasses both land and water issues. Their large scale regional outlook, and their policy, science and legal expertise will help New England adapt more effectively to mitigate the effects of climate change and other pressing issues.
Jerry Greenfield
Co-founder, Ben & Jerry’s
Williston, VT
Donor Since 1993
CLF Member, Advocate’s Society
What prompted you to first give to CLF?
I became aware of some of the projects CLF was engaged in and particularly liked the ability that CLF has to challenge issues from a legal perspective in a constructive way.
Why do you continue to give to CLF?
I like that CLF is active in Vermont, my home state. In Vermont there’s an unusual opportunity to really make progress because it’s such a grassroots oriented state and such a community oriented state. The fact that CLF operates not only regionally but also locally means CLF makes the most of this opportunity.
In terms of its affect upon your life, do you have a favorite CLF program, lawsuit or even personal experience?
I feel like clean energy is one of the most pressing issues that affects not only our state but our world. There are powerful interests that are trying to undermine the people’s interest in clean energy and I’m glad that we have CLF bringing its expertise and know-how to the arena to help in this critical fight.
What do you think sets CLF apart from other environmental organizations in your area?
It’s regional and local focus sets it apart in New England. CLF has the ability to connect with people locally in a place like Vermont at the same time that it acts on a larger regional scale.
Clinton “Bill” Townsend
Canaan, ME
Donor Since 1981
CLF Member
Bill and his daughter Eliza (Photo courtesy of the Natural Resources Council of Maine)
What prompted you to first give to CLF?
I first started giving to CLF many years ago, shortly after its founding, because I recognized the need for a powerful advocate for the environment with the capability of dealing with complex legal and technical issues in all venues necessary for the protection of the quality of our water, air and land.
Why do you continue to give to CLF?
I continue to give to CLF for the same reasons that first prompted me to give and because, in the many years since, it has built a long track record of success in taking on tough issues and seeing them through to resolution.
In terms of its effect upon your life, do you have a favorite CLF program, lawsuit or even personal experience?
I am a fisherman and have long felt that protection of fresh and salt water environments is crucial to maintaining a healthy fishery. I have been an advocate for river restoration and for dam removal for more than four decades and I am very pleased with the role which CLF is playing in helping its fellow non-governmental organizations such as Maine Rivers, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Trout Unlimited and Atlantic Salmon Federation – organizations that need legal support for their work to re-establish anadromous fish in Maine.
What do you think sets CLF apart from other environmental organizations in your area?
CLF brings legal and technical expertise to the table, and its ability to operate in the courts and in the regulatory system is essential to the protection of the environment.
How do you think CLF has changed over your time of giving to successfully address the most pressing issues effecting your state or New England?
CLF has shown itself capable of identifying new environmental issues as they arise, and to take a leadership role in addressing them early on.
Gordon Hall, III
Gordon fishing with his grandson in Maine
Marblehead, MA
Donor Since 2000
CLF Member, Board of Trustees, CLF Ventures Advisory Board, Maine Advisory Board and Cabot Society Ambassador
“I support CLF because they really get things done. To me, it’s very impressive that so few people can accomplish so much armed simply with brains, the law and a lot of determination. This small, dedicated group can and does hold large corporations and powerful institutions accountable for irresponsible and damaging activities that can have negative impacts on our environment. So, they deserve all the help they can get.
“I decided to include CLF in my will because I wanted to make a bigger difference. There is only so much I can afford to donate on an annual basis. By including CLF in my will, I can have a greater impact on CLF’s work than I ever could with my annual gift.
“Passing on my passion for New England’s outdoors to my sons and grandchildren is one of my fondest accomplishments. I would like to leave our seacoast, rivers, mountains and woods in better condition than I found them so that my great-grandchildren can enjoy them. By supporting CLF’s work, I can help make that happen.
“I want my legacy to be an environmentally healthier New England. I take comfort in the fact that CLF will continue to be my voice for a cleaner and healthier environment into the future.”
