Regional Conservation Priorities Program

Through this program the Washington Sustainable Growth Alliance formally recognizes the regional conservation priorities that hold the most promise for contributing to our future quality of life and need immediate action in order to succeed. The list is issued as a high-quality print publication, A Call to Action, that highlights the initiatives, projects or programs that will encourage better conservation in the region in the broadest sense. Recognized projects range from rural land preservation policies, on-the-ground conservation projects, to urban green restoration initiatives. The Alliance presents this concise, attractive publication at a press conference that usually receives significant attention in the press.

The philosophy behind the program.
The Alliance believes that land conservation is more than just an amenity. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Anacostia River to the Blue Ridge, thoughtfully conceived conservation initiatives can help shape growth patterns over time and enhance land stewardship, air and water quality, and quality of life.

Photo of Jug Bay in Patuxent River Greenway

Done well, these projects can also reduce opposition to smart growth development by increasing certainty that high-quality open space will be preserved in the region or that green components of urban environments will be restored.

As a unique partnership of environmental, civic, real estate and business organizations, the Alliance can promote public awareness and provide critical support of these projects.

 

What kinds of projects are eligible for nomination?

  • Specific parcels or geographic areas in need of preservation as working open space, parkland or natural areas
  • State, regional or local policies/programs to promote land conservation or preservation of green infrastructure
  • Capital projects that will benefit the natural environment, such as stream restoration or storm water management projects
  • Restoration initiatives focusing on contaminated and/or blighted parcels, places or resources

How are the selections made?

The process begins with a Conservation Summit, where conservation, Photo of volunteers planting trees

government and business representatives come together to identify a wide range of potential candidates for listing from throughout the region. Our conservation jury reviews these candidates in addition to any other nominations received from interested parties. The jury's final selections are those programs or projects that hold the most promise for contributing to the region's future quality of life, as well as those that can benefit most from independent support as they seek to increase public awareness, obtain funding or legislative support, or gain local or regional consensus or approval.  Meet the conservation jurors.

How can you participate?
Anyone can nominate a conservation initiative for recognition and listing by submitting some basic information about the project or program to the Alliance. Download the nomination form here.

What is the deadline for nominations?
The deadline for the 2011 program has passed.  Check back here for information on the next Regional Conservation Priorities List.    

Conservation Program Highlights


Regional Conservation Priorities List Released - April 27 at Mount Vernon!

April 27, 2011 - The Alliance released its 2011 Call to Action at a well-attended event at Goerge Washington's Mount Vernon. The projects identified for listing include:

Preservation of Gilbert's Corner, the gateway to northern Virginia's piedmont (Loudoun County, VA)

Completion of the link between the Capital Crescent Trail and the Metropolitan Branch Trail in Silver Spring (Montgomery County, MD)

Opening of Featherstone Wildlife Refuge (Prince William County, VA)

A state park for northern Virginia in the area of the Bull Run Headwaters (Loudoun County, VA)

Completion of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (Fairfax and Prince William Counties, VA)

Historic designation for Unison Battlefield District (Loudoun County, VA)

Click here to read the press release. Click here to download a copy of the report.

 


Past Year Program Pages and Reports

Get more details on: 

2011 Priorities Program

2009 Priorities Program

2008 Priorities Program

2007 Priorities Program

2011 Priorities List

2009 Priorities List

2008 Priorities List

2007 Priorities List

2006 Priorities List

 


 

Publicity for Regional Conservation Priorities 2006-2007 in Washington Business Journal

The Alliance supports regional conservation priorities in part by publicizing them. See a copy of our conservation project advertisement from the Washington Business Journal (February 29, 2008 issue).