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Professor Robert Keiter, University Distinguished Professor and Wallace Stegner Professor of Law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. Photo Credit: James Boyd.

Conserving Nature in Greater Yellowstone: Reflections from the Inaugural Talking Conservation Lecture

Biodiversity Interview with Christian Freitag

Question: I know you have a background in land protection. Could you please share your insights on how the preservation of land, habitat, and species intersect?

Freitag: I’m a systems guy. The knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone, as they say. You care about critters? Then save the places they need to live and eat and mate. You worry about how the critters will adapt to climate change? Connect the protected landscapes so they can move. And for heaven’s sake, take care of the water. Every life depends on it. But most importantly, understand that human beings are not separate from nature but instead a participant. As Jane Goodall says, you cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you, so decide what kind of impact that will be. What will your grandchildren say about your impact?

Lake Superior Spaceport Plans Are Defeated

We are pleased to announce that the Powell Township Board has enacted an official “RESOLUTION” rejecting the plan by the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) to rezone Granot Loma to build an industrial rocket launch site, finding under the Township Zoning Ordinance that it:

Macaw Recovery Network secures habitat for critically endangered Great Green Macaw

Macaw Recovery Network announces its first land purchase toward the restoration of habitat for the critically endangered Great Green Macaw. Its purchase of La Peninsula in northern Costa Rica will help save not only this magnificent bird but all forest wildlife that share its habitat.

Public interest vs. private homes: Climate change and erosion fuel disputes along Lake Michigan’s shoreline

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust continues support for CLC’s Clean Water Indiana Program

CLC is proud to announce the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has continued their support of CLC’s Clean Water Indiana Program with a grant of $484,000 over the next two years. The Pulliam Trust and CLC have a long-standing partnership to improve water quality in the state.
Swimmers at Ogden Dunes enjoy a dip in Lake Michigan on New Year's Day. Doug Ross, The Times

Possible Ogden Dunes revetment sparks debate

ODGEN DUNES — The possible construction of an armor stone revetment in Ogden Dunes has been challenged by the non-profit group Save the Dunes. The organization filed an administrative appeal June 19 after the Indiana Department of Natural Resources approved Ogden-Dunes' request for a 2,970-foot-long, 10-foot-wide revetment along Lake Michigan’s lakeshore, according to a statement from Save the Dunes.

Environmentalists oppose extension of Ogden Dunes revetment along Lake Michigan shoreline

A little more than three years ago, Lake Michigan was at its highest level in more than 30 years, and waves dashed up against the sheet steel piling that lakefront homeowners in the town of Ogden Dunes had installed in the 1980s and 1990s. Worried that the piling was vulnerable and their homes were in danger, the town petitioned for permission to install a revetment — a layer of large, interlocking boulders along the shoreline — to protect their homes.

Freitag co-authors article on sustainable development in Costa Rica “blue zone”

Along with colleagues from Syracuse University and INCAE, Costa Rica’s main business school, CLC Executive Director Christian Freitag recently co-authored an article concerning Nosara, Costa Rica, one of only five “blue zones” in the world. 
Child fishes at Beaver Lake

District court rules against CAFO, Corps

A ditch system dug nearly 100 years ago to drain Beaver Lake, formerly the largest natural lake in Indiana, is at the center of a legal battle between a 4,350-dairy cow CAFO and the neighboring Newton County residents.

The United States Supreme Court Denies Cert. in Pavlock v. Holcomb

On October 31st, the US Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari filed by private landowners in the Pavlock case, declining to consider the legal questions posed by petitioners and to require further consideration by the 7th Circuit.

Conservation Law Center names Kacey Cook as the Constance and Terry Marbach Conservation Attorney

The Conservation Law Center is excited to announce Kacey Cook as the inaugural Constance and Terry Marbach Conservation Attorney. The Marbach Conservation Attorney will focus primarily on land conservation and habitat protection projects. This position will be responsible for fostering existing relationships with land trusts and other clients as well as developing new relationships and projects for CLC.

Long-time HEC Attorney Kim Ferraro Joining Legal Team at Conservation Law Center

Today, the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) wishes a warm farewell and many thanks to its long-time Senior Attorney, Kim Ferraro, who is leaving HEC after 11 years to become the Senior Staff Attorney at the Conservation Law Center (CLC), effective August 1st.

Simon Family Foundation Continues its Generous Support of CLC’s Land Conservation Work in Indiana

Conservation Law Center appreciates our long-standing relationship with the Herbert Simon Family Foundation and are proud to acknowledge their continued support of our efforts. This year, the Herbert Simon Family Foundation will be aiding us in our land conservation work which includes our ongoing support of Indiana land trusts as well as our new Southern Indiana Sentinel Landscape program.

CLC Executive Director Freitag joins Lake Monroe Water Fund Board of Directors

CLC is pleased to announce Executive Director, Christian Freitag, has joined the Board of Directors for the Lake Monroe Water Fund.  The Lake Monroe Water Fund is an active funder for watershed projects that conserve, protect and sustain Lake Monroe as a shared community water resource. Its board includes leaders from the five counties that surround Lake Monroe who share goals of community education about watersheds and understanding external impacts to drinking water.

Professor Jeff Hyman’s Last Semester with the Conservation Law Clinic

Spring 2022 will be Professor Jeff Hyman’s final semester teaching the Conservation Law Clinic through Indiana University Maurer School of Law.  Jeff has taught over 150 law students throughout his tenure with CLC, many of whom have gone on to practice environmental law as a career.  It is safe to say he had high expectations of his students and held them to a high standard, but he also met them with honesty and respect. Clinic students have been fortunate to learn both the practice of law as well as specific areas of environmental law from such an experienced professional.  Jeff will be missed!

Conservation Law Center names Megan Freveletti as first Nancy C. Ralston Conservation Fellow

The Conservation Law Center is excited to announce the creation of a new position—the Nancy C. Ralston Conservation Law Fellowship. Through a nation-wide search, Megan Freveletti has been selected to start in August 2022. The fellowship will cover a broad spectrum of responsibilities including litigation-related research, land protection transactions, advising conservation clients, policy analysis, and outreach.    

Conservation Law Center announces The Duke Energy “Grass Roots” Conservation Fellowship

Conservation Law Center is excited to announce a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to establish a new student fellowship program. The Duke Energy “Grass Roots” Conservation Fellowship will offer students at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law a paid internship to gain hands-on experience advocating for water conservation and improved water quality in the state of Indiana.

The Not So Dark Side Of Bats

There's nothing spooky about bats. 🦇 Although they are often accused of being pests, these winged friends actually play important roles in pest control.  Here in Indiana, bats can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes an hour. Bats also enjoy snacking on beetles, gnats, flies, moths, and other insects providing a safe, natural form of pest control.  Not only does this help protect humans from these pests, it also helps farmers protect their crops from damage and our land and food from toxic insecticides.

Conservation Law Clinic: Building a better planet

Pollution, deforestation, extinction of endangered species, and extreme weather events are taking their toll on today’s world. A nonprofit organization in Bloomington, Indiana is doing its part to reverse these trends.
Macaw

CLC coauthors report on threats to survival of endangered Costa Rican Great Green Macaw

This report, requested by the Macaw Recovery Network (MRN), details the ways in which the rapidly growing pineapple industry in Costa Rica threatens the survival of the Great Green Macaw, an already endangered species. It specifically examines the impacts of the pineapple industry on the environment, labor rights, and public health. It also provides overviews of several initiatives aimed at amending the pineapple industry and offers suggestions for enhancing Great Green Macaw conservation efforts. Finally, the report outlines potential next steps for continued research that may be helpful to MRN’s conservation efforts.
Water and Quality of Life In Indiana Report Cover

Water and Quality of Life in Indiana

In 2016, with support from Nina Mason Pulliam Trust, CLC completed a 45-page report, Water and Quality of Life in Indiana, giving 14 recommendations on how to improve the state of Indiana’s water quality. Indiana is naturally endowed with great rivers, streams, and lakes. These freshwater systems are essential for drinking, for industry, for agriculture, and for economic development. 

Formation of Lake Monroe Water Fund thanks in part to Duke Energy grant

Water is essential for life, and people concerned about the health of Lake Monroe have worked together to form the Lake Monroe Water Fund. On its website, it’s described as an “active funder for watershed projects that conserve, protect and sustain Lake Monroe as our shared community water resource.”

The Teddy Bears of the Bee World Are Endangered

Due to loss of habitat, disease, pesticides, and climate change, the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Bombus affinis, has been classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. These insects are home in grasslands and prairies, but much of this land has been lost, degraded, or fragmented in recent years. Among these various threats, climate change is one of the biggest.

The Mallard Migration

And they’re off, south for the winter! As birds head toward the winter home, they follow specific paths called “Flyways.” Along the way, they have to handle plenty besides the long journey alone, including urbanization, pollution, and changing conditions related to climate change. Throughout the years, Conservation Law Center has worked to preserve the migratory habitats the birds need to survive.

Andrea Lutz now speaking out for the Conservation Law Center

A familiar name from a different email address feels out of context. Upon further investigation it is perfectly in context. Andrea Lutz has been my ‘forever’ Upland Brewing Company contact.  Now, she is the spokesperson with the Conservation Law Center headquartered near the IU Bloomington campus.

Conservation Law Center announces Andrea Lutz as first Director of Advancement

Conservation Law Center is excited to welcome Andrea Lutz in the newly created position of Director of Advancement. This new role replaces the prior Director of Development position and will expand the responsibilities to include administering the organization’s development and marketing initiatives, as well as program expansion and management.

$60,000 Grant from Simon Family Foundation to Advance Water Quality and Land Conservation in Indiana

Thank you to the Herbert Simon Family Foundation who has awarded the Conservation Law Center a $60,000 grant to further our work in water quality and land conservation. 

Conservation Law Center Clinic at the IU Maurer School of Law

Each school year, second- and third-year law students at the IU Maurer School of Law have the opportunity to enroll for credit as interns in our Conservation Law Clinic, one of Maurer’s six public interest clinics focused on providing students a hands-on learning experience working with real clients. Under the supervision of CLC attorneys, student interns work closely with each other and with the attorneys on live legal matters for our myriad clients who need assistance with natural resource conservation issues.

The Great Green Macaw

Macaws are some of the most beautiful birds in the world, and among the most threatened. Great Green Macaws are a particular concern to conservationists right now, due to pressures from habitat loss and the pet trade in Central America. As part of its conservation mission, the Indianapolis Zoo has supported the Macaw Recovery Network in Costa Rica.

Indiana Environmental Law and Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change is already causing changes now, right here in the state of Indiana. This year’s spring was one of the five wettest in the state’s history, and wet springs and intense rainfall events will only get more common in the future. Indiana summers will come to resemble either present-day Missouri or Texas by late century, and our winters will be like those now seen in the Mid-Atlantic[1].

Conservation and Common Wealth

On March 2, CLC Director Bill Weeks delivered the Carlson Lecture at Indiana University School of Public Health.

What the Appelate Court’s Ruling Means for The Public Trust

On December 7th, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled that Indiana's Lake Michigan shoreline is held in trust for the public up to the ordinary high-water mark. The opinion, setting an important precedent, recognizes the public trust in Indiana.

A Win for the Indiana Bat: D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Requires Analysis of Greater Protections for Endangered Species Impacted By Wind Energy Development

In an important decision, the court has ruled for the bats, setting a precedent which will mean more careful consideration of the environmental impacts of all federal decisions.

CLC Urges Greater Protections for Birds and Bats From Wind Turbines in the Midwest

The CLC is continuing its efforts to promote responsible wind energy development. Wind turbines can kill many birds and bats, including federally protected species, and can destroy important wildlife habitat. Properly locating and operating turbines can drastically reduce these deaths. CLC attorneys submitted comments on a proposed multi-state wind power plan urging increased protections for birds and bats impacted by the proposed action. We collaborated with American Bird Conservancy, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, and Union Neighbors United.

CLC’s comments on FWS mitigation policy aim to better protect species and habitats

Peter Murrey, Jeff Hyman, and CLC submitted comments on the new Fish and Wildlife Service mitigation policy, urging for more accountability and better protections for threatened species and habitats. This article sums up the proposed mitigation policy and our suggestions for improving it.

Still Hanging On: The Endangered Indiana Bat

Jeff Hyman, Bill Weeks, and CLC are embarking on our second year arguing tor sufficient protection of the Endangered Indiana Bat from Wind Turbines. This article sums up our research and describes a possible solution to reduce the impact of increased wind energy on the Indiana Bat and other bat and bird species.

CLC Supporters Are Planting Vital Habitat for Threatened Species

We are proud to announce that the Conservation Law Center's first Community Conservation Project will be on behalf of the monarch butterfly. This week, supporters of CLC will be receiving milkweed seeds in the mail and an invitation to plant the wildflowers in their neighborhoods. The plants will provide vital food and habitat for the monarch, a threatened species currently under consideration for endangered species status.

CLC Supports Additional Habitat Protection for Endangered Killer Whales

On July 6, CLC joined a coalition of environmental organizations to send a letter urging the National Marine Fisheries Service to take immediate action to conserve the endangered Southern Resident population of killer whales. After several drastic declines, only approximately 81 of these animals remain in the wild. Recent government research reveals that a variety of human activities threaten the killer whales year-round, but only the population's summer habitat in Puget Sound currently receives federal protection.

Protecting the Endangered Indiana Bat

We are arguing in court that the endangered Indiana bat deserves more protection than it is getting in the process for approving wind energy installations. We came across a study that concluded that the protections we would like to see implemented will cost about 1 percent of the power the wind turbines can generate. Wind turbines produce relatively little power from gentle breezes. Bats, on the other hand, avoid flying when the wind blows at the speed it takes to generate wind power efficiently.

CLC Defending Public Rights to Lake Michigan Shore

CLC is representing the Alliance for the Great Lakes and Save the Dunes in litigation over the application of the public trust and the boundary of the State of Indiana's ownership of the shore of Lake Michigan. The lawsuit began when certain owners of lakeside property sued the Town of Long Beach, claiming a town resolution interfered with their rights. The complaint asks the court to declare that there is no public right in the shore landward of the water's edge. CLC’s clients believe that the conservation interest in the lakeshore will be best served by defending the claim of public rights in the shoreland.

CLC Files Friend of Court Brief for American Bird Conservancy

On behalf of the American Bird Conservancy, the Conservation Law Center filed an amicus curiae — a friend of the court — brief in a dispute over the approval of the construction of wind turbines in Nantucket Sound.

CLC Comments on the Draft Upper Great Plains Wind Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement

The CLC has submitted comments (together with American Bird Conservancy) on the Draft Upper Great Plains Wind Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS).

CLC Comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Beech Ridge Energy’s Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and the Service’s associated Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The CLC recently submitted comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Beech Ridge Energy's Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and the Service’s associated Draft Environmental Impact Statement. BRE's 66-turbine wind facility in West Virginia currently operates under a court-ordered restricted schedule. 

CLC Comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Buckeye Wind LLC’s application for an Incidental Take Permit

The CLC submitted comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Buckeye Wind LLC's application for an Incidental Take Permit for the federally endangered Indiana Bat.

CLC Amicus Brief Filed in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Florida Panther Case

The CLC recently submitted an amicus curiae brief for the consideration of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Conservancy of Southwest Florida v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The case involves the petition of a group of environmental organizations requesting the USFWS to designate critical habitat for the federally endangered Florida panther. 

Great Plains Wind Corridor Comments

The CLC, in collaboration with American Bird Conservancy (ABC), recently submitted comments on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's initial plan to fast-track wind energy projects within a 200-mile-wide corridor through the Great Plains from Canada to the Texas coast.

Ensuring Responsible and Environmentally Sensitive Development of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are critical components of our national strategy to fend off climate change, reduce pollution, and promote energy independence.

Animal Migration Seminar

CLC attorneys and Clinic interns are participating in the second semester of a year-long series of interdisciplinary seminars on protecting animal migrations, an effort initiated by the environmental program of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Ballast Water Treatment Regulations

CLC attorneys and Clinic interns advised long-standing client, Great Lakes United, and four other conservation groups in preparing comments on the U.S. Coast Guard's ballast water rulemaking (docket number USCG-2001-10486).

The Legal Challenge of Protecting Animal Migrations as Phenomena of Abundance

The CLC attorneys and Clinic interns will be participating in the second semester of a year-long series of interdisciplinary seminars on protecting animal migrations, an effort initiated by the environmental program of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

CLC Helps Friends of Patoka River Incorporate

With the legal assistance of CLC attorneys and Clinic interns, Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.
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