The birds that laid the golden eggs
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All of this income from state residents and millions of tourists from around the globe year-round hinges on one pivotal policy - good land conservation. In Colorado, land conservation not only preserves the wide open spaces and clear running streams that support a robust hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation economy -- good conservation policies support productive working farms and ranches which provide healthy food close to home. In addition, agricultural lands that are managed properly provide wildlife habitat, flood control, watershed/wetland protection, improved air quality and more.
In February 2010 the Colorado office of the Trust for Public Land released a revealing report with a detailed analysis of the economic benefits provided by Colorado's conservation easements (http://www.tpl.org/content_documents/Final%20report%20ecosystem%20services.pdf). Easements are the primary land preservation tool in Colorado, accounting for more than two-thirds of all conserved land in the state.
The report findings are impressive. Colorado's $595 million investment in conservation easements since 1995 has returned $3.51 billion in benefits to the state. That's a return of $6 for every $1 invested!
Colorado is a national leader in land conservation and park creation, and thanks to a combination of funds from local, state and federal programs and a steady commitment from the state's leaders, Colorado is able to show how good conservation makes good economic sense.
The underlying math is simple. Continuing to invest in and support healthy conservation for land, water and wildlife means the best possible recreational opportunities and tourist experiences -- which means continuing major economic payoffs for the State of Colorado.
Ken Strom is the Executive Director of Audubon Colorado. He can be reached at KSTROM@audubon.org Karen Avery owns Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs in Ouray. She can be reached at boxcanyonlodge@gmail.com
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