Land Trust Alliance’s Post

Accounting the Value of Ecosystem Services of Western Range Conservation Practices The recently released report, Accounting for Nature’s Value with Rangeland Conservation Practices in the Western Range and Irrigated Region, describes an evolving analytical framework used to help estimate the ecosystem services value of three key rangeland conservation practices in the 11 state Western Range and Irrigated Region. The project, funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), focuses on Brush Management, Herbaceous Weed Treatment, and Prescribed Grazing—and 13 ecosystem service benefits provided by rangelands. It determines these practices result in an average increase of $45.70 acre/year on private rangelands and $5.71 acre/year on Bureau of Land Management-managed rangeland.

Country Life magazine are to be applauded for this article. Conservation is not solely the preserve of the 'conservation industry', significant success is achieved by others (and often for considerably less public money). Some excellent examples of farmers, landowners, shooting tenants and scientists highlighting the benefits of practical conservation by management. https://lnkd.in/eG85VCy7 #conservation #management #livingworkingcountryside

A closer review public land access rules. #RMFU presses #BLM to adopt standards supporting family ranchers by standards that allow for tools “like adaptive management and that incentivize cooperation among users and the conservation community.” https://loom.ly/aJZdNPM

Meet the Sheridans. They're part of a demographic that is vital for conservation. According to the USDA, 60% of the nation's land is privately owned, and virtually all farmland is under private ownership. Any large-scale effort to preserve and protect natural landscapes will have to include private landowners, but historically there has been a lack of resources for making critical connections between landowners and conservationists. Jennifer Fetter, director of Penn State's Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, explains more about the significance of resources to connect Pennsylvania farmers, agricultural landowners, and conservation professionals in the recent edition of the Penn State Ag Science magazine. Read the article: https://ow.ly/FUUH50RaNpB #PennStateAgScience #conservation

Support Farm Bill Conservation Programs The Farm Bill offers a critical lifeline to farmers, ranchers and landowners who are interested in conserving and managing their wetlands, grasslands, farms and forests. Urge Congress to pass a Farm Bill that supports conservation. The Farm Bill is the largest bipartisan investment in the voluntary and successful conservation, restoration and management of America’s private lands. It offers a critical lifeline to farmers, ranchers, and landowners who are interested in conserving their farmlands, grasslands, wetlands, and forests at a time when we’re losing millions of acres of natural lands to development each year. Click on the link to ask Congress to support the Farm Bill. https://lnkd.in/gCBEwxRN

Yesterday, 16 farmers and conservation professionals gathered to progress along a small unnamed tributary in the Upper Conestoga River watershed and resources available for continued improvements to achieve both water quality and farm operation goals. Many thanks to TeamAg, Inc. , Stroud Water Research Center, Caernarvon Twp., Lancaster County Conservation District, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the farmers in this small catchment for their dedication to ongoing conservation over many years! Our delisting strategy focuses conservation efforts on small sub-watersheds with the goal of eventually removing a stream segment from the list of impaired waters. Read more about it at https://lnkd.in/eTBfMjXD . Growing Greener funding from PA DEP is helping to accelerate efforts in 4 catchments, including this one. 

On May 24, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee passed H.R. 8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, on a 33-21 bipartisan vote. The bill text reflects many of our highest priorities, including a historic investment in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. It also includes a stand-alone Forest Conservation Easement Program with mandatory funding that will fill a critical gap in conserving working forested lands. This is HUGE. There is still a long road ahead before a final bill reaches President Biden's desk for signature, and we are committed to continuing to work with both the House and Senate to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill this year. Thanks to the advocacy work of land trusts and conservation communities, the House bill text reflects many of our community’s priorities.

Read about how CCR works to integrate Indigenous practices into our forest management: https://lnkd.in/g7ydP4hC #indigenousled #bcforestry #forestmanagement

🌿🏡✨ **Preserving Florida's Agricultural Lands: A Vital Investment** ✨🏡🌿 🌟 Ever wondered about the impact of conservation easements on real estate development? Recent deals in Florida shed light on this crucial issue. 🌱 Conservation easements are a powerful tool in maintaining the balance between development and preservation, ensuring the sustainability of our precious agricultural lands. 🌾 The recent agreements to protect over 2,200 acres of productive agricultural land are a testament to the commitment to safeguard Florida's natural resources for future generations. 🌎 Let's continue to support initiatives that prioritize the preservation of our environment and agricultural heritage, creating a lasting legacy of stewardship. #FloridaRealEstate #ConservationEasements #AgriculturalPreservation #SustainableDevelopment #LandConservation #FutureGenerations