TWS remembers conservationist, teammate and friend Phil Hanceford 

DENVER, Colo. –  The environmental attorney Phil Hanceford died on August 14, 2022. Hanceford worked to conserve public lands at The Wilderness Society for 15 years.  

In response, The Wilderness Society issued this statement: 

“We mourn the sudden loss of Phil Hanceford, who was an institution at The Wilderness Society and in the broader conservation community. He worked tirelessly for over 15 years to protect some of the most iconic public lands in the West – from Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments to conservation areas in the Pacific Northwest, the Mojave Desert, and countless other places. 

“Phil devoted his time, enormous talent, and good humor to anyone who asked for it - from the smallest local community groups to the most powerful national organizations, from Native American Tribes to government agencies searching for solutions to intractable problems, and from seasoned public lands experts to law students forging their own paths.  

“Phil had an incredibly joyful, positive influence on all he touched. All of us at The Wilderness Society, and everyone who knew Phil, will forever remember his dogged determination, his deep expertise, and his kindness to others. He leaves behind a legacy of protected public lands that will be a testament to his incredible work for generations to come.” 

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For Immediate Release: Friday, September 2, 2022 

Contact: newsmedia@tws.org