Federation Grieves Loss of Past Board Chair, Conservation Giant Kent Salazar

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Wildlife Federation and conservation community are grieving the loss of lifelong outdoorsman and environmental leader Kent Salazar, who passed away earlier this week. Salazar, who served as Chair-elect and then Board Chair of the National Wildlife Federation from June 2020 to July 2022, was an unwavering advocate for wildlife conservation and the responsible stewardship of the natural world.

"Kent Salazar's passing is an immense loss. He understood that the best way to conserve and restore our lands, waters, and wildlife was to build a bigger and more inclusive movement - and one that helped future generations of Hispanic outdoorspeople and other conservationists advocate for their priorities. He believed in the One Federation model and was an unwavering advocate for NWF's staff and affiliates," said Ben Kota, chief operating officer of the National Wildlife Federation. "We can see that approach in the people Kent inspired and in his leadership roles, including as president of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, board chair of the National Wildlife Federation, a co-founder of HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors) and the Green Leadership Trust. We join Kent's family in grieving his loss and will carry his example forward in our work."

"The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is immensely grateful for Kent's contributions to our organization and his leadership in wildlife conservation," said Jesse Deubel, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. "I had the honor of working closely with Kent and have benefited from his extensive knowledge, kind spirit and love for both people and wildlife. Kent said that in order to make a difference, we have to work with everybody and never give up. Kent demonstrated that advice every day in all he did. His infectious smile and positive attitude were a reminder to all who knew him that our time is limited but we have a responsibility to help others and leave this place better than we found it. Kent definitely did that. He will be dearly missed but always remembered. Let's allow Kent's legacy to guide our work, help us smile and inspire our goals."

"Kent was an incredible mentor, support, and friend who shaped the vision and mission of HECHO to what it is today," said Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO. "He believed in the importance and power of all people, including Hispanics, to incorporate their culture and traditions in their connections to the outdoors. I'll always remember Kent as a fierce advocate for wildlife and public lands, and as a champion for expanding access to the outdoors. All of us at HECHO will remember him and keep his spirit alive through the work we do."