User:Cascadeland/Cascade land conservancy

History of Success Cascade Land Conservancy fills a unique niche as Washington’s largest land conservation, stewardship and community building organization dedicated solely to this region. For over 20 years, The Conservancy has led efforts to conserve more than 155,000 acres of forests, farms, shorelines, parks and natural areas. It has partnered with dozens of communities across the region to protect and restore our neighborhood trails and parks and helped cities make smart choices about future growth.

Bold Vision Based directly on community feedback and scientific review of our existing land base and population growth trends, Cascade Land Conservancy developed the most far-reaching and bold conservation initiative to date - The Cascade Agenda - which brings together business, civic and government leaders to accomplish two big goals:

1.	Our Lands: Protect 1 million acres of working forests (93% of existing timberland) and farms (85% of current agricultural lands) and 265,000 acres of shorelines, natural areas and parks.

2.	Our Communities: Maintain our rural economies and way of life and enhance the vibrancy and livability of our cities and towns.

Innovative approach The Cascade Agenda is an innovative new approach to conservation that encourages collaboration across all sectors; balances environmental, social and economic needs; emphasizes the link between vibrant cities and healthy rural lands; and uses creative new ways to protect land on a scale never seen before. This 100 year vision and immediate action plan is based on the input of thousands of residents across our region and offers pragmatic solutions to the challenges and opportunities created by our tremendous population growth. The Agenda calls for a market-based approach, recognizing that economic vitality and environmental protection are both critical to protecting our region’s quality of life.

Fundamental change The Cascade Agenda’s collective vision is grounded in the belief that a broad coalition can achieve fundamental change. In its first few years, thousands of people volunteered their time, millions of dollars were invested and new policies created a framework to ensure our region remains a great place to live for the next 100 years.