Conservation Connections for Sustainable Agriculture
Protecting our natural resources and promoting sustainable agriculture through public and private partnerships.
OUR MISSION
Compass Conservation Strategies, LLC (CCS) was founded with a simple idea: to connect agriculture and conservation groups with public and private partners to conserve natural resources through locally led, voluntary practices. Principal and Founder Dave Gagner provides a comprehensive range of strategic conservation planning solutions designed to enhance agriculture conservation, protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality and quantity, and support sustainable futures for natural resources.
ABOUT US
Meet Dave
Dave is a nationally recognized conservation leader with 30 years of experience in coalition building, legislative and regulatory affairs, strategic planning, and communications. Drawing on deep expertise in agriculture, conservation, energy and alternative fuels, invasive species, resilience, wetlands, and wildlife, he helps advance practical natural resource conservation solutions. His work focuses on building innovative public-private partnerships, securing funding opportunities, and supporting high-impact conservation initiatives.
As principal and founder of Compass Conservation Strategies, Dave connects agriculture and conservation organizations with public and private partners to conserve natural resources through locally led, voluntary practices. He provides strategic conservation planning services that strengthen agricultural conservation, protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality and quantity, and support sustainable natural resource outcomes.
As senior director for legislative and external affairs at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Dave led federal partnerships with 16 federal agencies, with a particular focus on the Foundation’s work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also worked closely with nonprofit conservation organizations, agricultural groups, and state agencies, while executing legislative strategies to secure authorizing legislation and federal funding for Foundation conservation initiatives. These efforts delivered well over $1 billion for thousands of conservation projects across the United States.
Dave began his career in 1992, working on ethanol and biofuel initiatives for the American Biofuels Association and Information Resources Inc. At the National Association of Conservation Districts, he led government relations for locally led, county-based conservation districts working with farmers, ranchers, and foresters. His passion for wetlands, wildlife, and invasive species later led him to Ducks Unlimited, where he played a key role in passage of the 2002 Farm Bill and remained actively involved in every Farm Bill that followed. Dave also served in the George W. Bush Administration as chief of staff for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, representing USDA at the national and state levels. At NRCS, he advised the chief and helped manage more than 12,500 employees and a $4 billion budget. He worked with farming, hunting, and conservation communities on issues including wetlands, wildlife, drought, the Klamath Basin Task Force, biofuels, and the 2005 Farm Bill Conservation Title.
Dave is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he earned a B.A. in political science with a focus on environmental policy. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Contact Us
Compass Conservation Strategies, LLC
Dave Gagner, Principal & Founder (202) 731-2506 davegagner@compassconservation.com
