<== Site Review (2005-06-08) ==>

Shorelands Preserves

The Nature Conservancy is my favorite environmental effort. Rather than using nature as a platform for social change, the Nature Conservancy has a single minded focus on preserving nature by directly establishing preserves and conservation easements. This is where you can invest your time and effort directly on the cause of conservation.

There always seems to be a high degree of professionalism in each of the actions taken the organization. I just finished reading the response to a schedule hearing by the US Senate Finance Committee on tax reform regarding abuse of land easements. While most environmental organizations would use such meetings as a call to action or highlight some sort of conflict between nature and man, The Nature Conservatancy is using the opportunity of Senate oversight to help improve management and to reduce abuse of tax easements.

While the reading may be dry. This is exactly the type of work and ethics that needs to be developed for long term environmental protection.

Nature Conservancy Colorado Style

While tax policies and management styles are necessary parts of nature conservation, the real work is in the conservation efforts themselves.

The Nature Conservancy - Colorado page lists:

Northwest Colorado
1. Carpenter Ranch
2. Yampa River Preserve

Northeast Colorado
3. Fox Ranch
4. High Creek Fen Preserve
5. Phantom Canyon Preserve

Southwest Colorado
6. Mexican Cut Preserve
7. San Miguel River - Canyon Preserve
8. San Miguel River - South Fork Preserve
9. San Miguel River - Tabeguache Preserve

Southeast Colorado
10. Aiken Canyon Preserve
11. Bohart Ranch
12. San Luis Valley - Baca Ranch
13. San Luis Valley - Medano-Zapata Ranch
14. San Luis Valley - Mishak Lakes Preserve

Nature Conservancy Colorado Cooperative Projects
15. Mueller State Park and Wildlife Area
16. North Star Nature Preserve
17. Ryan Ranch - Lake Fork of Gunnison River