Idaho - A Place for Working Lands
Family farms, ranches and private forests are an important part of Idaho’s history and rural lifestyle. Early homesteaders of the region provided food and fiber for the state’s first settlements. Today, private landowners continue their contribution to the state’s economy, the rural character of communities, and the stewardship of streams and wildlife habitat.
The amenities of the Gem State attract new residents every year. Idaho’s population growth ranks as the 4th highest in the nation (Census 2000). Housing the new neighbors competes with the existing rural land uses. In 2005, a group formed to study the conversion of working lands. Ranchers, farmers, forest owners, conservationists and sportsmen formed a partnership - The Idaho Working Lands Coalition. The partners work to reserve a place in Idaho’s future landscape for farms, ranches, and private forests while accommodating additional growth.
New Mexico Adopts the Natural Heritage Conservation Act
The New Mexico Legislature approved a new state law, the Natural Heritage Conservation Act, during the 2010 session. Governor Richardson signed the bill which takes effect March 19th. The law creates a fund that will partially finance acquisition of conservation and agricultural easements, and the cost of restoration projects on private working lands. The legislature appropriated $5 million to establish a natural heritage conservation fund.