Western Landowners Alliance mourns Ted Turner, Titan of Private Lands Conservation 

Western Landowners Alliance joins people across the West and around the world in mourning the passing of Ted Turner, a visionary leader whose commitment to private lands conservation helped shape the future of land and wildlife stewardship in America. Turner, founder of CNN and a major philanthropist and conservation landowner, passed away on May 6, 2026, at age 87.  

“When it came to caring for the natural world, Ted Turner was an inspiration to people world over,” said Lesli Allison, CEO of Western Landowners Alliance. “He showed what is still possible—that we can bring wildlife back from the brink of extinction; that we can restore ecosystems; and that agriculture, conservation and commerce can and must work together. He had the courage to do things at scale and that were at times controversial like restoring bison and wolves. Importantly, he understood that land, wildlife and people are deeply connected, and he used his leadership, resources and voice to advance a stronger future for all three. Ted was a source of support and courage for the private stewardship movement and the Western Landowners Alliance. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in the land and wildlife he protected and the people he inspired.” 

Through his extraordinary example, Turner demonstrated what private land stewardship can mean at scale: bold action, long-term commitment and a deep responsibility to the living landscapes of the West. WLA extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who were shaped by his vision. 

Photo: Turner at the Flying D Ranch south of Bozeman, Montana, in 2013. By Elena Cizmaric.