Between 1996 and 2007, voters approved almost $24 billion for local government park, open space, and other conservation purposes. Despite this substantial sum for land protection, there was at that time no book available to guide officials as they implemented voters' mandates. The Conservation Program Handbook was written in response to numerous requests to The Trust for Public Land for exactly this type of guidance from community leaders who wanted to know how to effectively conserve their iconic landscapes.
In addition, in November 2008, despite massive doses of terrible financial news, voters across the U.S. approved land conservation funding measures. It was a record-breaking year for land protection financing, with voters demonstrating substantial support for open space ballot measures despite the economic and fiscal crisis of the time.
The Conservation Program Handbook is a manual that provides all of the information-on a broad spectrum of topics-that conservation professionals are likely to encounter. It compiles and distills advice from professionals based on successful conservation efforts across the country, including a list of "best practices" for the most critical issues conservationists can expect to face. By providing information on how to do conservation work in the best possible manner, The Conservation Program Handbook has the goal of increasing the amount, quality, and pace of conservation being achieved by local governments throughout the nation.
"For those landscape architects new to the field, this guide will be a valuable tool.. written in a clear, concise series of steps that flows well from beginning to end..." "Workmanlike and straightforward guide..Its 54 case studies and sidebars work with the baker's dozen of well-organized chapters." "Written in a lively and engaging style, with useful examples throughout The Conservation Program Handbook will be a real help to local officials in deciding where and how to invest conservation dollars."---Brad Gentry, Director, Center for Business and the Environment at Yale "This is the definitive guide on planning and managing a public land conservation program. It will help government agencies and nonprofits prioritize the right lands, make cost-effective decisions, and build public trust. Why re-invent the wheel when you can learn from the experience of over fifty conservation programs around the country."---Rand Wentworth, president, Land Trust Alliance "How wonderful to have a universal resources guide promoting conservation practices. This book will enable counties of all sized and demographic to develop best management practices and 'walk the talk' of going green while saving green."---Pamela Newton, board member, Lake County, Illinois
