National Wilderness Institute

The National Wilderness Institute (NWI) is a part of the anti-environmental "Wise Use" movement. It works to challenge the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and undermine other wilderness protections.

NWI activities have included a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuit is ostensibly aimed at stopping the EPA from building the proposed Woodrow Wilson bridge in Washington, DC, which NWI says might interfere with eagle habitat. The real purpose of the lawsuit, however, is to stir up anti-ESA sentiment by charging that endangered species laws are only being selectively enforced in rural areas of Western states.

Personnel

 * Rob Gordon
 * Jim Streeter, policy director
 * Kathy Benedetto

Advisory Board
The NWI advisory board includes:
 * A. Alan Moghissi
 * Henry Lamb, a former executive with the Land Improvement Contractors of America who has been involved with a variety of anti-environmental organizations, including Environmental Conservation Organization (a front group for land developers to fight Clean Water Act protections for wetlands), Sovereignty International, an anti-United Nations property-rights group.
 * Donald Hodel, a former lobbyist for the Christian Coalition
 * Congressman Don Young (R-AK)
 * Congressman Charles Taylor (R-NC)
 * Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA)
 * Congressman Richard Pombo (R-CA)
 * Senator Larry Craig (R-ID)
 * Congressman John Doolittle (R-CA)

Contact Information
National Wilderness Institute P.O. Box 25766 Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (703) 836-7404 Fax: (703) 836-7405 Email: nwi AT nwi.org Website: http://www.nwi.org

Related SourceWatch Resources

 * Wise Use movement