AMC’s conservation strategy in the Highlands region includes research, education and advocacy.
Research
For the last decade AMC has developed maps of the Highlands and its resources. By mapping special places in the Highlands e.g. Critical Treasures maps (PDF, 1.90 MB) we can draw attention to them and increase their chances of protection.
Recently AMC completed the Pennsylvania Highlands Greenway Project (including a Greenway Map) to illustrate the most important natural resources in the Pennsylvania Highlands. The Pennsylvania Highlands Greenway Map is a tool that can be used to help local, state and federal government officials as well as land trusts, private citizens, and private foundations prioritize their land conservation efforts in the Pennsylvania Highlands.
AMC also assisted the USDA Forest Service (USFS) in a study of the Pennsylvania/Connecticut Highlands. The study identifies high conservation value lands eligible for funds from the Highlands Conservation Act. This study complements the USFS New York/New Jersey Highlands study conducted in 1992 and 2002. More information about the study and its relationship to the Greenway project can be found in the Pennsylvania Highlands Greenway Map Report.
Education
Through joint publications such as the Highlands Backyard Paradise (PDF, 1.90 MB), Pennsylvania Conservation Atlas (PDF, 3.79 MB), and the Pennsylvania Highlands Greenway Project AMC seeks to educate the public and decision-makers about the Highlands Region and the need to conserve it. Through Critical Treasure activities AMC trip leaders’ partner with local conservationists to lead recreational activities to critical lands throughout the Highlands.
Advocacy
AMC seeks to obtain funds to conserve land and resources in the Highlands through federal programs such as the Highlands Conservation Act, Forest Legacy Program, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Learn more about these programs and see a list of the land protection projects AMC is supporting in fiscal year 2010.
AMC also supports an increase in funds for the National Park Service’s Rivers Trails Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. The RTCA program provides technical assistance to community groups and local, state, and federal government agencies so they can conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways. The RTCA program is providing assistance to AMC’s Pennsylvania Highlands Trails Network project. AMC is also a part of the Rivers and Trails Coalition, a coalition of conservation and recreation organizations that support the RTCA program.
Links to:
US Forest Service Forests on the Edge report
