This report and the recommendations that follow are anchored in a simple truth: nature is essential to the health, well-being, and prosperity of every family and every community in the United States of America. Since before its founding, the health and productivity of the continent’s lands and waters supported an abundance of human life and activity. It has also, however, brought into focus three problems that threaten the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which we depend: the Disappearance of nature, climate change, and Inequitable acccess to the outdoors. 

As the country works to recover and rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic and fully address the climate crisis, the report emphasises that now is the time to develop and pursue a locally led, nationally scaled effort to conserve, connect, and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which everyone depends.

• Pursuing a collaborative and inclusive approach to conservation;
• Conserving America’s lands and waters for the benefit of all people;
• Supporting locally led and locally designed conservation efforts;
• Honoring Tribal sovereignty and supporting the priorities of Tribal Nations;
• Pursuing conservation and restoration approaches that create jobs and support healthy communities;
• Honoring private property rights and supporting the voluntary stewardship efforts of private landowners;
• Using science as a guide; and 
• Building on existing tools and strategies with an emphasis on flexibility and adaptive approaches.