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Monthly Archives

July 2017

Investments in conservation easements reap benefits for Colorado

By News

Similar to public investments in National Heritage Areas that have 5 to 1 returns for local economies in Colorado, conservation easements also highlight significant benefits for communities throughout the state. Here are a few key excerpts from an article by Mary Guiden in CSU’s SOURCE:

“A new analysis from Colorado State University found that each dollar invested by the state for these easements produced benefits of between $4 and $12 for Coloradans. Public benefits include clean water and air, scenic views, access to things produced by local farms and ranches products, and wildlife habitat: all things that contribute to a high quality of life in the state.”

The study focused on Colorado’s investments in conservation easements funded through a tax credit program and Great Outdoors Colorado. The voter-approved program uses a portion of lottery proceeds to help with efforts to protect wildlife habitat, river corridors, productive agricultural lands, iconic scenic views. It has also created trails and open spaces for Coloradans to enjoy.

Study co-author Michael Menefee, an environmental review coordinator with CSU’s Colorado Natural Heritage Program, said the investments are filling a vital need for conservation of identified priorities on private lands. “An active partnership between private landowners and public policy can achieve what neither acting alone can accomplish,” he added.”

The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and the Poudre Heritage Alliance have partnered with Great Outdoors Colorado in the past, with the upcoming Eastman Memorial Natural Area development in Greeley serving as the next project in this partnership.

Check out the full article here at CSU’s SOURCE

*Photo of Pleasant Valley in Bellvue, CO by Michael Menefee

Field Trip Grant Program - Kids scenic view

Over 50 Community Assistance Programs Offered by National Park Service!

By News

News release from NPS: 

We have a new resource for National Park Service staff and partners!

Today the National Park Service launched its Directory of NPS Community Assistance Programs.

The 54 programs outlined in the Directory provide funding, technical assistance, and other resources to community groups for historic preservation, investment in historic sites, recreation and improved access to public lands, and education and professional development in and outside national parks.

Community assistance programs of the National Park Service empower local organizations to advance historic preservation and conservation work in rural and urban communities across the United States. These programs serve as economic drivers, transforming underutilized places into community assets that enhance quality of life and boost local economies through tourism and job creation.

View the directory here: Community assistance program website

Thank you!

CommunityAssist Team

Heather Scotten Passchier, Heather_Passchier@nps.gov

Elle O’Casey, Elle_O’casey@nps.gov

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
Washington D.C. 20240
NPS Stewardship Institute
Woodstock, VT 05091

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: Fund National Heritage Areas

By News

Excerpt from Article: (Check out the full post here)

“C.   Enact Program Legislation to Permanently Authorize and Fund the National Heritage Areas 

The National Heritage Area approach has a thirty-year track record of developing strong regional partnerships for resource conservation and community prosperity. Today there are 49 National Heritage Areas from Alabama to Alaska. Program legislation has been introduced with bi-partisan support for over a decade and now is the time to make a push for its passage.”