ConserveLand.org

ConserveLand Newsletter (Winter 2010)

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:10:46 GMT

Check out the latest issue of the ConserveLand Newsletter, including the most recent Case Law Review.

Scholarships Available for Yale Conservation Finance Camp

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:24:22 GMT

Scholarships Available! The Conservation Finance Camp at Yale is offering scholarships to Camp registrants on a first-come first-serve basis!

Don't Miss Joining with 400 Friends and Colleagues

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:34:11 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference, Pennsylvania's premier conservation event, takes place April 8-10 in Malvern, Chester County.

New Video: Michaux Lecture - Pennsylvania Conservation: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (with Larry Schweiger)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:21:35 GMT

In case you were unable to attend the Michaux Lecture this past June provided by Pennsylvania-native, Larry Schweiger, CEO & President of the National Wildlife Federation, we are pleased to bring the lecture to you. DCNR Secretary John Quigley provides an eloquent introduction.

Pledges and Donation Agreements Guidance

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:44:08 GMT

A carefully documented donation agreement can achieve both a legally binding commitment to the conservation organization and a tax deductible contribution for the donor. Check out Pledges and Donation Agreements as well as 35 other tools and topics now available at ConservationTools.org.

Conservation Easements Can Reduce PA Inheritance Tax

Thu, 27 May 2010 17:53:50 GMT

In PA, death triggers a state inheritance tax on the distribution of the deceased person’s assets to the estate's beneficiaries. A little known provision in PA law can reduce inheritance tax by 50% for land assets under conservation easement, depending on the details. Learn more at ConservationTools.org

Congratulations to Pennsylvania’s Accredited Land Trusts

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:26:47 GMT

Pennsylvania has ten organizations that have achieved Accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

The Good News in the 2010-11 PA State Budget

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:02:54 GMT

Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund land trust project money and other special environmental project funds targetted for deep cuts were kept intact. An intent to enact by October a Marcellus shale gas drilling tax with a portion of revenues going to environmental projects was expressed. No new drilling leasing mandates were imposed on publicly-owned State Forests.

The Bad News: $1.3 Billion Diverted, Cut From Environmental Programs Over Last 8 Years

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:59:25 GMT

The budget just adopted for FY 2010-11 means a total of $1.3 billion has been diverted or cut from environmental programs over the last eight years.

Now Accepting Nominations: 2011 Conservation Lifetime Leadership Award

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:33:28 GMT

Maurice K. Goddard—Patriarch of Pennsylvania Parks

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:40:07 GMT

Known for his no-nonsense, blunt style, Maurice K. Goddard served under five Pennsylvania governors as Secretary of Forests and Waters and as the founding Secretary of the Department of Environmental Resources (1955-1979).

Reversionary Interest Can Help Ensure Compliance

Thu, 06 May 2010 17:18:57 GMT

A conservation organization or other landowner can donate or otherwise transfer land to government on a conditional rather than absolute basis to help ensure that their conservation wishes are respected by government in the long-term. Check out Reversionary Interests as well as 38 other tools and topics now available at ConservationTools.org.

America's Great Outdoors: Land Trust Ideas For Protecting the Places We Love

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:31:47 GMT

Please share stories and information about the places you love, your community’s efforts to protect them, and ways to better support modern-day land conservation efforts happening in communities across the country.

Report: Marcellus Shale Drillers in PA Amass 1614 Violations Since 2008

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:10:57 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has reviewed environmental violations accrued by Marcellus Shale drillers working in Pennsylvania between January 2008 and August 20, 2010. Since this report was first published, additional information has been received from the Department of Environmental Protection and report has now been updated.

$1.3 Billion Diverted, Cut From Environmental Programs Over Last 8 Years

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:04:51 GMT

If Gov. Rendell's proposed 2010-11 budget becomes law, a total of $1.3 billion has been diverted or cut from environmental programs to help balance the state budget or to fund programs that could not get funding on their own over the last eight years.

Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference Handouts & Presentations Now Available

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:48:01 GMT

Download materials and presentations from the educational, networking, inspirational event designed for those working in land conservation.

2010 Conference Photos Now Available on PALTA Facebook Page

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:20:33 GMT

Photos from the 2010 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference have been uploaded to the Pennsylvania Land Trust Facebook Page -- Join Today!

Monroe County Honored for Leadership and Commitment in Protecting Our Natural Resources

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:34:20 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is pleased to honor Monroe County for its proactive land protection strategies and commitment to protecting sensitive and scenic areas and critical natural resources with the Government Conservation Leadership Award.

A Truly Green Solution to Stormwater in Our Communities

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:17:17 GMT

Offering greener and much less expensive options for municipalities to reduce stormwater runoff.

How Much Do We Value Conservation?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:40:49 GMT

In the coming years, what should state spending priorities be? Should Growing Greener be renewed?If so, how much money?

How Much Land is Conserved in PA?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:45:03 GMT

5.4 million acres (18%) of Pennsylvania have been conserved for agricultural production, sustainable forestry, public recreation and other purposes. Pennsylvania State Forests make up 39% of the conserved lands.

Amos Funk Honored for His Leadership in Farmland Preservation

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:43:01 GMT

On behalf of Pennsylvania’s eighty leading conservation organizations, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association honors the memory and legacy of Amos Funk with the Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award for his decades of leadership and dedication in conserving our special places and landscapes.

Support for Guided Organizational Assessments

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:36:43 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association invites land trusts to apply for grants of up to $4,500 to support Guided Organizational Assessments vis-a-vis Land Trust Standards and Practices.

Greenways & Trail Liability & Maintenance Workshop on July 15

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:09:23 GMT

Full-day seminar focusing on liability and maintenance issues related to trails and greenways.

What Will Pennsylvania Look Like in Fifty Years?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:24:28 GMT

One answer: Pennsylvania is on track to become more developed than present-day New Jersey in the next several decades. Check out the graphic representation of conserved and developed lands in Pennsylvania in 2008 and projections for 2058.

After They Drill, Who Pays the Bill?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:33:02 GMT

Natural gas extraction imposes heavy costs on our communities: air pollution; pipelines, drilling pads and wastewater pits scarring our landscapes; heavy rigs damaging our roads; billions of gallons of water taken from our streams; and operational errors contaminating our land and water. Get information and see policy proposals related to natural gas drilling at landandwater.org.

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee Reports on Growing Greener 2

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:24:46 GMT

As required by Pennsylvania House Resolution 2009-17, the nonpartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee reviewed Growing Greener 2. The Committee's report can be downloaded at lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/reports/2010/44.PDF