For Immediate Release: July 18, 2025   For Information Contact: Valerie DiMarzio, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, vdimarzio@cbf.org Alena Billingsley, Armed Forces Initiative, afimarketing@backcountryhunters.org      ANNAPOLIS, MD—In a triumph for outdoor stewardship and clean water, roughly a dozen U.S. veterans and servicemembers joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) this week to restore oyster habitat in Maryland and Virginia.   Both events were part of a larger Chesapeake Bay fishing ...

"For many of us, these wild places are the last bridge between the war we left behind and the peace we still seek. Does Congress truly intend to burn that bridge with the stroke of a pen?"   The below letter was authored by the board of BHA's Armed Forces Initiative and mailed on June 18,2025 to all 541 members of Congress concerning the proposed sell-off of over 3 million acres of public lands.   June 18, 2025   Dear Member of Congress:   Chief among the ideals that service members and ...

Last week, a pivotal moment unfolded in Washington, D.C.—one that showcased the strength of a united outdoor community. Deep within the text of a must-pass budget reconciliation bill lurked a late-night amendment threatening nearly half a million acres of America’s public lands. Held in trust by the federal government for all citizens, these lands—from forested ridges to river canyons—faced the prospect of being sold off under the guise of one-time budget relief. For many, the fight began at ...

At the heart of the Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) is the belief that service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off—it simply evolves. Our mission to help veterans and active-duty military members find a new calling in conservation is only made possible by the incredible dedication of our volunteer leaders. Today, we pause to recognize one such leader whose thoughtful words, quiet contributions, and passion for storytelling have left a lasting imprint on our community. After years of ...