Ethics & Editorial Policies

The Wild Narrative Project is committed to producing independent, transparent, and accountable journalism in the public interest. These policies guide our editorial decision-making, fundraising, governance, and our commitment to maintaining the trust of our readers.

Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions at the Wild Narrative Project are made independently of financial supporters, advertisers, foundations, partner organizations, and outside interests.

Our reporting is guided by newsworthiness, public interest, evidence, and rigorous journalistic standards. Donors and funders do not determine what we investigate, how we report, or the conclusions we reach.

Financial support does not guarantee coverage, influence editorial priorities, or provide advance review of reporting.

Donor Transparency

The Wild Narrative Project believes transparency strengthens public trust.

We publicly acknowledge institutional grants and significant philanthropic support whenever appropriate and in accordance with donor preferences. We may also acknowledge major individual donors who choose to be publicly recognized.

Anonymous donations may be accepted at the organization's discretion, provided they do not compromise editorial independence or create actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

We do not accept funding that requires editorial approval, suppresses reporting, limits editorial judgment, or grants influence over journalistic decisions.

Because the Wild Narrative Project reports on public lands, wildlife governance, and public policy, some donors may also support organizations or causes related to subjects we cover. Financial support alone does not influence our reporting. When a funding relationship is relevant to a story, we will disclose it to our readers.

Conflicts of Interest

The Wild Narrative Project is committed to fair, accurate, and independent reporting.

Staff, contractors, board members, and contributors are expected to disclose any financial, professional, organizational, or personal relationships that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest related to our reporting.

When appropriate, relevant relationships will be disclosed within our reporting. Individuals with material conflicts may be recused from editorial decisions involving those subjects.

Corrections & Accountability

Accuracy is fundamental to our journalism.

If we make a factual error, we will correct it promptly and transparently. Significant corrections will be noted within the published story so readers understand what was changed.

Readers who believe our reporting contains an error are encouraged to contact us. We welcome good-faith requests for corrections and will review all credible claims carefully.

Our Reporting Approach

The Wild Narrative Project is an investigative newsroom reporting on how public lands and wildlife are governed across the American West.

Our journalism combines document-driven investigations with field reporting to examine how administrative decisions are reflected on the landscape. By connecting public records, agency decision-making, and on-the-ground observation, we help readers understand how shared public lands are managed and why those decisions matter.

We are committed to journalism that is independent, evidence-based, transparent, and grounded in the public interest.