Conservation Strategy Group

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About Conservation Strategy Group, LLC is a Sacramento-based consulting and lobbying firm specializing in environmental and natural resources strategy and advocacy. Conservation Strategy Group represents land trusts, environmental groups, conservancies and public agencies before the California Legislature and administrative agencies. We also work with our clients to develop project and program strategies and to pursue public funding to support their conservation and resource management objectives. Conservation Strategy Group was founded in 2003 by Joseph Caves and Leslie Friedman Johnson. Between them, Mr. Caves and Ms. Friedman Johnson have more than 50 years experience in state and federal government relations, with emphasis on natural resources and conservation policy and funding. While known best for success in developing and securing public funding, Conservation Strategy Group provides a wide array of services including policy development, research, strategic plan development and coalition building, as well as legislative and administrative lobbying. We also have strategic alliances with firms specializing in resources law, public opinion polling, campaign strategy and media and public relations which we draw upon as needed in service of our clients' needs. Natural Resources Bonds Joe Caves and Leslie Friedman Johnson drafted and organized the successful campaign for Proposition 50, a $3.44 billion water bond passed in November 2002. Proposition 50, the largest natural resources bond ever passed in California, was the first successful water bond placed on the ballot by initiative. Ms. Friedman Johnson and Mr. Caves also represented environmental interests in the development, drafting, campaign and passage of Proposition 40, a $2.6 billion park bond on the March 2002 ballot, as well as Propositions 12 ( $2.1 billion park bond ) and 13 ( $1.9 billion water bond ) in 2000. CA State Budget Advocacy Conservation Strategy Group represents a variety of land trusts, environmental groups, conservancies and public agencies on budget issues, helping to secure both program and project funding for conservation efforts. We work directly with the Administration and the legislature on budget legislation and related policy bills. We strive to secure programmatic funding for key natural resources programs that reflect broad priorities. Project Funding Conservation Strategy Group provides advice and assistance to clients in obtaining project funding from numerous state agency programs including but not limited to those managed by the Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, CALFED Bay-Delta Program, Wildlife Conservation Board, Coastal Conservancy, Department of Conservation, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board. Much of this work is focused on helping ensure that client's projects are well-aligned with state priorities. Conservation Strategy Group principles have extensive experience on a variety of natural resource policy issues. Mr. Caves and Ms. Friedman Johnson have worked for decades with clients, state and federal agencies, Congress and California State Legislature to develop administrative policies and legislation in numerous issues areas including water management, endangered species protection, land use, ecosystem restoration, flood management, stormwater, coastal protection, air quality, water quality, and energy.