Our commitment to the future.

• Position: Conservation Law Foundation

Over the past few months CLF's board and staff have discussed the unfolding financial crisis facing our nation and world. Like many other organizations, CLF is not immune to the repercussions of a declining economy, and it is clear that we need to take appropriate steps to weather this storm. Our management team has approached this challenge with the same determination that has characterized our brand of environmental advocacy for over 40 years.

A SPECIAL ECONOMIC MESSAGE FOR CLF'S SUPPORTERS

First, we must plan for the future by acting responsibly today.

Though CLF already lives on a lean budget--with approximately 82 percent of revenue going directly to support program work to protect the environment--we have identified a series of cuts that will deliver immediate savings in the current fiscal year (which ends July 31. 2009) without impacting current staffing levels or case work. These measures include hiring and salary freezes, as well as selected cuts in budgeted travel, consultant, printing and other expenditures. Together, these steps have reduced our current budget by over $500,000--or 8.5 percent. Furthermore, a task force of senior-level managers is leading a contingency budget process if additional cuts are necessary.

Our biggest priority is to continue the results-oriented advocacy that has made CLF the most effective environmental group in New England,

The strength of CLF is our people and we intend to do everything we can to keep our advocates in the courtrooms, state houses, and...