Stewardship on a Shoestring

[IS THIS 2011 MEETING INFO NEEDED MOVING FORWARD?]

Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania lead the nation in their commitment to preserve farmland and open space. Unfortunately, with dwindling public resources, some state, county, and municipal governments are struggling to sustainably-manage protected open space as well as other public lands, such as street medians, stormwater basins, and public school lands. On November 30, 2011, DVRPC and the Natural Lands Trust partnered to host "Stewardship on a Shoestring" - a one-day workshop that highlighted those communities and organizations that are working together to save green and manage green while "going green."

Materials from the November 2011 event are posted below for reference.

Morning Plenary: Conservation in South Jersey - Being Creative with Restoration

Craig McGee, Watersheds Project Director, Camden County Soil Conservation District

The Camden County Soil Conservation District, like other Conservation Districts throughout the country, is adapting to a new funding landscape and developing new roles and responsibilities that take advantage of its technical knowledge. Craig McGee, Watersheds Project Director, discussed the many different projects the District is involved in, and which often go beyond the borders of the county and improve the ecological quality of neighboring watersheds. Mr. McGee talked about the importance of working on the watershed level, implementing green infrastructure projects to manage stormwater runoff and conserve natural resources, and finding new funding sources.

Panel Discussion: Governmental Strategies

Moderated by Peter Williamson, Vice President, Conservation Services, Natural Lands Trust

Local governments have responded to the general public's growing interests in open space and creating more sustainable communities. Many municipalities and counties have created Open Space Trust Funds and developed open space acquisition programs. Other municipalities have adopted more sustainable land management practices, such as "no-mow zones" that allow native wildflowers to grow, catch rainwater and attract bee and bird pollinators. This panel discussion featured speakers from the Mercer County Park Commission, Lawrence Township (in Mercer County, NJ), and Warwick Township (in Bucks County, PA).

Panel Discussion: Nonprofit Solutions

Moderated by Alison Hastings, Senior Environmental Planner, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Over the last few decades, many counties and local governments have taken an active role in preservation farmland, protection open space, and providing parks and recreation services to diverse communities. Today, local governments are facing many budgetary constraints as tax revenues decrease and the expense of delivering public services increases. This session discussed how nonprofit organizations are finding innovative ways to partner with government agencies and successfully manage public land meeting their goals to improve lands' ecological values while meeting the goals of a local government to save money. South Jersey Land and Water Trust discussed its work with Camden County to establish citizen-driven stewardship groups. Natural Lands Trust discussed its Center for Conservation Landowners, which shares technical knowledge and expertise with municipalities. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation discussed its active role in restoring the unique Pinelands ecosystem.