How Preservation Pays?
(Page 8 of 8)
August/September 1995
by Molly Miller
Pennsylvania recently passed large bond issues to protect farmland. Bidwell says, "Urban and suburban folks that ultimately control votes and tax dollars that it's going to take to save the farmland are showing their concern, and they realize that the food, the water, the tourism industry depends on this land being kept open." Even conservative organizations like the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, normally distrustful of preservationists, have spoken with AFT about starting their own land trusts, Bidwell says.
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Most land trusts are started and run by individual members of communities who want to take measures to curb development in their area. Land trusts depend overwhelmingly on individuals in their community for support and assistance. According to the Land Trust Alliance, some 50,000 people volunteer their time to land trusts, and 50 percent of land trusts have a budget of less than $10,000. A Land Trust Alliance survey shows that half of all land trusts have been formed in the last 10 years. If you're interested in starting a land trust in your area, or finding out how to get in touch with the land trust nearest you, contact the Land Trust Alliance, 1319 F St. VIA% Suite 501, Washington, DC 20004-1 106, (202) 638-4725.
How To Get Involved
The movement to preserve open space is becoming more organized as people negotiate conservation easements and conservation bequests, and the like, but even many land trusts are still operating on grassroots principles. Constraining development can't help but be political. One of the most basic ways to protect land from development is to vote, and be careful who you vote for. Often it's your local politicians who will be making the deal with developers, mining companies, and other people who may end up taking over the land. You can talk to your neighbors; plan and organize and lobby. Don't just write off preservation as excessive regulation and bureaucratic government meddling. Instead, insist that government and preservation groups make concessions to you and to your community so that you can work to make the money you need, keep the freedom to control your own property and preserve the land.
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