Never before have we seen such a rapid transformation of land as we do today – pastures to parking lots, countryside to condominiums. Over the past few years, 15 million acres of farmland and ranchland were taken out of production and subdivided for housing. Nationwide, we continue to lose more than 2 million acres of open space each year to insensitive development.
Working ranches, farms, and forests – these landscapes are the backbone of a healthy environment and stable economy. In the coming years, economic pressure will force millions of acres of these valuable lands, including industrial timberland and private range-land and farmland, on the market.
The Conservation Fund works with private landowners to protect America’s landscapes and address the economic pressures many of them face.
The Conservation Fund partnered with third generation rancher Craig Bair to protect nearly 5,000 acres in Colorado’s Vail Valley, thus safeguarding spectacular landscapes and a family’s ranching heritage. Read more>