Sustainable Conservation’s Post

Thinking of a Conservation Easement? This clarifies many of the misunderstandings about them. Please read.

Here is something that Renae Frigo and I wrote about the Natural Areas Stewardship Act and The Conservation Foundation’s involvement. We dive deep into how The Conservation Foundation has since been active in activities supported by the Act’s grants program. #conservation #sustainability

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.

Land Tenure and the Adoption of Conservation Practices: Do Renters Make Operating Decisions Like Owners? Learn more on this Amber Waves article: https://lnkd.in/gScsCZdy.

Australia's Greater Glider was listed as endangered last year. Which means it’s facing a risk of extinction. Sadly, a NSW government agencies response to this risk, is to commence logging Tallaganda, one of the State's last and largest Greater Glider strongholds. Habitat where it is found to be holding on in its highest numbers. This is not just sad, it is reckless. I have respect for our Federal Environment Minister, and NSW State Minister for Environment and Heritage, both of whom have inherited environment portfolios where the ratcheting destruction of nature has not only largely been ignored, but normalised by prior governments. An overwhelming ship to turn around. The case in Tallaganda is where the nature positive rubber needs to hit the road, because risk of doing nothing is far too great. @PennySharpemlc please call for the cessation of logging in Tallaganda, NSW. Tanya Plibersek, Australia urgently needs nature law reforms. And adherence to the zero extinction commitments that we have signed on to. WWF-Australia #naturepositive

🍃Is Indigenous Land Reform Key to Ending Tasmania's Forest Wars? 🌲 A radical proposal is stirring the waters in Tasmania, with stakeholders pushing to return 85% of contested forests to Indigenous communities. This move could potentially end decades of conflict over Tasmania's forests, blending environmental conservation with the rightful acknowledgment of Indigenous stewardship. 🔑 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Revolutionary Land Management: The proposal transfers over 300,000 hectares of land, including significant areas like Takayna/Tarkine, Bruny Island, and Blue Tier, back to Indigenous Australians. This approach seeks to resolve the long-standing "forest wars" by blending traditional wisdom and modern conservation principles. 2️⃣ Industry and Indigenous Collaboration: Backed by forest industry figures, this initiative is about land return and forging a new path for sustainable forestry in Australia. It represents a unique collaboration that could ensure resource security while honouring Indigenous heritage and rights. 3️⃣ Conservation Meets Cultural Recognition: Amidst concerns from conservationists about potential logging, this proposal underscores the importance of balancing environmental protection with the recognition of Indigenous lands. It challenges us to rethink conservation in the context of cultural and historical rights. 🌍 #questionforgroup: Can the return of lands to Indigenous stewardship offer a sustainable solution to Tasmania's forest disputes? How might this approach redefine our relationship with nature and support conservation and cultural recognition? 🔗 Explore the depths of this transformative proposal and its potential to harmonize environmental conservation with Indigenous rights: https://lnkd.in/gzTgnikN #indigenous #landreform #sustainableforestry #conservation #culturalheritage #sustainabilitymatters #environment #tasmania #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #auspol #taspol #aboriginal #aboriginalaustralia

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canadian-based Coast Funds released this report that highlights conservation finance tools that can support First Nations in achieving their stewardship and conservation goals. The report features sample conservation finance portfolios and addresses a key question facing First Nations and other governments – how can communities conserve forest ecosystems without compromising economic security?  👉 Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/gS6x4Kf9 #NIPD2024

Is a conservation easement right for you and your land? Conservation easements can provide landowners with tax incentives and the satisfaction of protecting their land’s natural and ecological values for future generations, allowing them to: • Preserve the land for future generations. • Protect agricultural heritage. • Maintain biodiversity and open spaces. • Reduce property taxes. • Foster community engagement. In this blog, Quint Shambaugh, Pinion land advisor, takes a deeper look into conservation easements – breaking down the benefits and questions to consider: https://okt.to/mVrQuh

3 Calhoun Sisters' Ranch was recently chosen by Audubon California to become an Audubon Certified Bird Friendly Land, the first ranch in our region. North America's grasslands are among the most imperiled ecosystems in the world. As a result, grassland birds have declined more than any other bird group in the continent, by as much as 80% for some species.   The vast majority of America’s grassland birds breed on private lands which is why working with ranchers is our best hope for conserving them. California has 61 million acres of rangelands that provide food production, carbon sequestration, water infiltration, and habitat for a wide range of species.   A recent study identifies California grasslands as more reliable and resilient carbon sinks than forests (Pawlok 2018). However, this historic California land use is under threat with an average of 20,000 acres a year being lost to development or crop conversion (Cameron et al2014).   Climate change, invasive species, aquifer depletion, and poor grazing practices also degrade large portions of grasslands, increasing economic and ecological vulnerability. To slow the loss of rangelands, stabilize declining populations of grassland birds and wildlife, and contribute to climate mitigation, Audubon created the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program (ACR). Beef from Audubon-certified land is hormone and antibiotic-free, ethically raised, and delicious. Supporting Audubon-certified ranches is better for grassland birds, better for the land, and better for you. Audubon's certification seal can be found on high-quality meat products and empowers consumers to support ranches that benefit grassland birds and their habitat. Go from consumer to conservationist when you purchase beef and bison raised on Audubon Certified bird-friendly land! Purchase Beef from an ACR-Certified rancher: Stemple Creek Ranch Markegard Family Grass-Fed Morris Grassfed Beef - Joe Morris Thanks to: Matthew Allshouse - Audubon California Owen Sowerwine - Alameda County Resource Conservation District Farley Connelly - - Alameda County Resource Conservation District

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