Environmental and conservation organizations in the United States have been formed to help protect the environment, habitats, flora, and fauna on federally owned land, on private land, within coastal limits, in-state conservation areas, in-state parks and in locally governed municipalities.
In addition, some organizations utilize the court system in states and at the federal level to enforce environmental and conservation regulations and laws.
However the "Group of Ten" (or "Big Green") have been preeminent since the late 20th century: Sierra Club, Audubon, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, Friends of the Earth, Izaak Walton League, The Wilderness Society, National Parks Conservation Association, Natural Resources Defense Council and Earthjustice.
[4] Failure to maintain operations in conformity to the laws may result in an organization losing its tax exempt status.
An environmental and conservation organization that is tax exempt is required to file annual financial reports (IRS Form 990).