Standing with Our Public Lands and Those Who Protect Them
At First Lite, our commitment to conservation and public lands is at the core of who we are. From the Idaho backcountry adventures where our founders discovered the unparalleled benefits of merino wool to the rigorous field tests from the Adirondacks to Alaska that our product developers conduct today, public lands have shaped our mission. If it weren't for public lands, First Lite wouldn’t be here.
Recent federal budget and staffing cuts have resulted in significant workforce reductions within agencies like the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. These changes impact the stewardship of the lands we cherish as well as the dedicated individuals who care for them.
In light of these developments, we are taking these initial steps to support our public lands and the people who serve them:
Preserving Pro Status – If you are a member of our Pro Program and have recently lost your job due to these reductions, rest assured your status within our Pro Program will not change throughout the '25 calendar year. If your employment status has changed and you no longer have access to the email address tied to your Pro Program account, please reach out to our Customer Service Team by emailing info@firstlite.com, or by calling 208-806-0066 so that updates can be made to your account as appropriate. We also recognize that the federal workforce in affected agencies has a large military veteran presence. All active duty military members and veterans receive significant discounts through our Pro Program as well, and we would urge you to reapply under these levels of the Pro Program to retain your Pro Program discounts long term.
Ongoing Conservation Support – Our commitment to preserving public lands and public access remains unwavering. Through partnerships with organizations such as TRCP, BHA, Delta Waterfowl, and the National Deer Association, and internally through the MeatEater Land Access Initiative, Brush for Bucks, and Camo for Conservation, we continue to invest in protecting these wild places for future generations. Learn more about our efforts below.
Public lands belong to all of us. Let’s keep fighting for them.
Commitment to Conservation
Our Boots on the Ground
Our Mission
Supporting groups that protect wildlife, wild places and hunter heritage is a critical part of our conservation efforts. But sometimes, it’s easier to do work ourselves. Plus, getting your hands dirty to support wildlife feels pretty dang good.
Brush For Bucks
Since 2018, we've been working to rehabilitate winter range in Southern Idaho degraded by fire and invasive cheatgrass. To date, we've planted more than 50,000 native shrub seedlings across hundreds of acres.
Native Shrub Seed Collection
At the height of summer, our employees collect seed for the nurseries that grow the sage and bitterbrush seedlings we use in our Brush for Bucks Intiative. These seedlings benefit wintering mule deer, elk, pronghorn & sage grouse.
Sage Grouse Fence Marking
Each summer, the crew spends an evening marking fences near sage grouse breeding grounds to reduce collision mortality. Plastic flags help the grouse avoid barbed wire, aiding in the conservation of this iconic western game bird.
Fence Pulls
Old, poorly maintained fencing can be a barrier to big game movement and causes mortality of sage grouse. Each summer, our employees grab work gloves and fencing pliers and remove derelict barbed wire in our home valley.
Sage Grouse Lek Counts
Several mornings in late March and April, folks from our team volunteer to count breeding sage grouse. "Lek" counts are are critical to managing populations of this iconic game bird and another great way to give back to the wildlife we love.
Your Dollars at Work
Our Partners
Since 1988, the National Deer Association has worked to promote sustainable, high-quality deer populations, wildlife habitats, and ethical hunting experiences through research, education, advocacy, and hunter recruitment.
Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization. Delta's Million Duck Campaign aims to secure the future of waterfowl hunting with the goal of putting 1 million more ducks into each fall flight.
Our Camo Supporting Conservation
Round Up for Conservation Donation
Round Up for Conservation Donation
A donation through our Round Up for Conservation Program will be equitably spilt across the below MeatEater grassroot & partner conservation organizations for the purpose of protecting the rights of hunters and anglers while enhancing wildlife resources and public access to America's woods, waters, and mountains.
- MeatEater Land Access Initiative
- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and BHA Armed Forces Initiative
- Delta Waterfowl
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
- National Wild Turkey Federation
- Pheasants Forever
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation