In 2026, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch, a chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, begins its journey to become one of the leading voices in the Smoky Mountains.
With your support, we can help secure landmark protections, advanced science-based conservation, and reshape how people in the Smoky Mountains think about living alongside wildlife. That legacy belongs to the advocates, scientists, donors, volunteers, and partners who believe, often against long odds, that the Smoky Mountains deserve a wild future.
Today, that work is more urgent than ever. Habitat fragmentation, accelerating development, climate pressures, and political headwinds are placing unprecedented strain on Smoky Mountain wildlife populations and the landscapes they depend on. Too often, fear-based narratives and outdated management approaches continue to drive policy, undermining solutions that can protect both people and wildlife.
As we enter our first decade, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch is focused on increasing our impact and reach. We will promote strong advocacy at the local levels, working to ensure wildlife policy is grounded in sound science, ethical management, and long-term conservation outcomes. We are also committed to supporting and translating research to inform better decision-making and more effective conservation strategies.
At the same time, we recognize that conservation is as much about people as it is about wildlife. Equally central to our work is expanding coexistence programs that equip communities with practical, science-based tools to live safely alongside Smoky Mountain wildlife through clearer public-facing materials, strengthened education initiatives, and outreach that replaces fear with understanding. In partnership with other organizations, we will be working to correct misinformation and elevate balanced, fact-based narratives about Smoky Mountain wildlife and their role in healthy ecosystems.
Going forward, we will emphasize collaboration with state and local agencies to advance pragmatic conservation programs that prioritize both wildlife conservation and public safety, recognizing that durable sustained solutions require partnership and trust.
We consider our first year as a call to act with urgency and purpose. With your support, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch will build a leadership group dedicated to ensure that the Smoky Mountains not only survive, but flourish, for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With your support, we can help secure landmark protections, advanced science-based conservation, and reshape how people in the Smoky Mountains think about living alongside wildlife. That legacy belongs to the advocates, scientists, donors, volunteers, and partners who believe, often against long odds, that the Smoky Mountains deserve a wild future.
Today, that work is more urgent than ever. Habitat fragmentation, accelerating development, climate pressures, and political headwinds are placing unprecedented strain on Smoky Mountain wildlife populations and the landscapes they depend on. Too often, fear-based narratives and outdated management approaches continue to drive policy, undermining solutions that can protect both people and wildlife.
As we enter our first decade, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch is focused on increasing our impact and reach. We will promote strong advocacy at the local levels, working to ensure wildlife policy is grounded in sound science, ethical management, and long-term conservation outcomes. We are also committed to supporting and translating research to inform better decision-making and more effective conservation strategies.
At the same time, we recognize that conservation is as much about people as it is about wildlife. Equally central to our work is expanding coexistence programs that equip communities with practical, science-based tools to live safely alongside Smoky Mountain wildlife through clearer public-facing materials, strengthened education initiatives, and outreach that replaces fear with understanding. In partnership with other organizations, we will be working to correct misinformation and elevate balanced, fact-based narratives about Smoky Mountain wildlife and their role in healthy ecosystems.
Going forward, we will emphasize collaboration with state and local agencies to advance pragmatic conservation programs that prioritize both wildlife conservation and public safety, recognizing that durable sustained solutions require partnership and trust.
We consider our first year as a call to act with urgency and purpose. With your support, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch will build a leadership group dedicated to ensure that the Smoky Mountains not only survive, but flourish, for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey.