© 2008 THE MILLRACE BY STEVEN HODECKER, MEREDITH, NH
The painting of an old millrace was sold at silent auction to benefit the
Page Pond and Forest project in Meredith, New Hampshire. Well-known
artist Steve Hodecker contributed this art work, one of many private
donors who gave to protect the property.
The continuing loyalty of donors is evidence
of how highly they value local landscapes and
access to the outdoors.
times. “Many of these residents felt that with even a modest gift, they could make a big difference in the project’s
outcome,” McGean says, “and they were right.”
The continuing loyalty of donors to conservation is
evidence of how highly they value local landscapes and
access to the outdoors. And while no one really knows
what is going to happen in the complicated new world
conservationists face, no one doubts that Americans
will remain loyal to the conservation cause.
“Through good times and bad times, Americans
love the land,” says TPL president Will Rogers. “We
are currently facing both challenges and opportunities.
But the people who are closest to TPL’s work have
been generous and solid in their support. With their
help, we will confront the challenges and try to take
advantage of the opportunities.”
Erica Gies is a freelance environmental reporter who lives in
San Francisco. She wrote about the importance of outdoor play
to child development in the Fall/Winter 2008 Land&People.
IT PAYS TO SAVE!
Even in good times, one of the first questions community 5 Working lands, such as farms and forests, usually con-members ask about a conservation project is: can we tribute more money to a community than the cost of the
afford it? However, research over many years has revealed services they require.
that strategic conservation is not really a cost but an invest-
6 Conserved open space helps safeguard drinking water,
ment that can pay handsome dividends.
clean the air, and prevent flooding—services provided
1 Parks and open space often increase the value of much more expensively by other means.
nearby properties, along with property tax revenue.
For more information on the economic benefits of parks
2 Parks and open space attract businesses and trained
and open space—for example, in TPL’s 2007 publication
employees in search of a high quality of life.
The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation; or in a new
3 Parks and open space attract tourists and boost white report, Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park
recreation spending. System—go to www.tpl.org/benefits.
4 Parks and open space reduce obesity and health
care costs by supporting exercise and recreation.
