December 2016 RFF Announces Upcoming Launch of Colorado Conservation Connection
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PLN Newsletter: December 2016

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RFF Announces Upcoming Launch of Colorado Conservation Connection

RFF's 8th State Conservation Website Online 2017

As owners of almost 50% (31 million acres) of the State's total land coverage, Colorado farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners offer some of the greatest opportunities for natural resources and energy conservation.

The Colorado State Conservation Connection will provide these private landowners a comprehensive directory of conservation information, contacts, and programs to help manage their lands sustainably and economically.

We Made It!

How Five Farmers Survived 2016

"When you’ve chosen farming for your livelihood, you learn quick enough to buckle up tight—it’s a rare year that doesn’t feel like a roller coaster ride.

"2016 brought its share of ups and downs. Some would say the downs won...But the majority of farmers took it all in stride. After all, there’s no other profession where you’ll find so many champions able to rise to adversity with such grace."

Read the article here.

USDA Announces Additional Financial Incentives for CRP Participants

$10 Million Available to Improve Forest Health and Enhance Wildlife Habitat

“Many (Conservation Reserve Program) forests were initially established to conserve soil and protect water quality, but there is also a critical need to restore wildlife habitat” said Brad Pfaff, (Farm Service Agency) Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs.

“Over the years as trees grow and the forest canopy closes, the quality of wildlife habitat for many species declines. These new incentives are intended to reverse that trend, while also maintaining healthy forests.”

Read the press release.

Leopold Conservation Award 2016

Recipients from 11 States Announced for Prestigious Conservation Award

Stacked Lazy 3 Ranch, Deer Trail, CO:
Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Recipient 2016

"Working with prominent state conservation partners, Sand County Foundation presents the prestigious honor, which consists of $10,000 and a crystal award, in settings that showcase the landowners’ achievements among their peers.

"The Leopold Conservation Award is a productive investment in private lands conservation. It recognizes and celebrates extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation by private landowners."

Learn more about the award and its recipients here.

2015 National Land Trust Census Results Released

56 Million Acres Voluntarily Conserved in America

The Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save the places people love by strengthening land conservation across America, (December 1) released a comprehensive report showing land trusts across the nation have conserved a staggering 56 million acres, an area of protected land that is double the size of all the land in national parks across the lower 48 states.

Read the press release or view detailed state results.

A Rift in the Woods

The Forces Pulling Apart the Lives of Maine's Iconic Loggers

For over 100 years, northern Maine was defined by its vast forest resources and the communities upon which they were built, but now the forest products industry is disappearing, taking those same communities in tow.

The last logger: Steve Sherman. (Micky Bedell / BDN)

In Oxbow, Steve Sherman "is the last person in the small Aroostook County community to make a living from the woods." Earlier this year Oxbow voted to dissolve its local government.

Read the article here.

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