June 2015

Living Landscape Observer - Nature, Culture, Community
In This Issue
Featured Landscape: Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area
Funding Large Landscapes
New National Parks
Stewardship of Farm Land
Communities and Heritage Course Announcement
In the News
About Us
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November 2 - 5, 2015  
 Past Forward
Washington, DC

September 1-10, 2016
Hawai'i


Kenai Mountains -Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area
Turnagain Arm Inlet. Credit: Dan Stern

Scenic railway journeys, calving glaciers and sport fishing are only a few of the sights and sounds that a vistior might encounter on a trip to the Kenai Peninsula of Alaksa. This region, home to diverse and rich cultural traditions and stunning natural landscapes, is one of 49 federally designated National Heritage Areas, and the only NHA in Alaska. Learn more about the history and contemporary communities of this unique place. 

  

  
Living Landscape Observer
The Difficulty of Funding Large Landscapes
The major land and water conservation challenges facing the nation require action on a scale that is large and multi-jurisdictional.The benefits of landscape connectivity are resilient habitats, essential ecosystem services and stronger cultural connections. Yet, generating and sustaining funding for efforts that seek to work on a landscape scale remain daunting. Why is this case and what might be done about it? Read more. 
Creating New Parks - The Ongoing Debate
The end of 2014 and the early months of 2015 marked a period of growth for the National Park system, with 9 new units designated by either Congressional action or Presidential Proclamation. However, the additions were not without controversy, with some commentators lamenting that new parks would invariably mean less funding for existing units. In this piece, guest observer Rolf Diamant examines the perennially-vexing question of whether the park system will ever be "complete." Read more.
Landscape Stewardship on Farm Land
Many rural landscapes are shaped by centuries of agricultural land use. As agricultural land use practices change, landscapes transform - with changes that are, at times, unwelcome or undesired. Who is responsible for defining the stewardship goals and the interventions needed for agricultural landscapes, for implementing and bearing the extra efforts or forgone profits? Read more for a perspective from Europe on this issue.
Course Announcement
ICCROM (the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) along with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre are offering a course this fall: "Promoting People-Centred Approaches: Engaging Communities in the Conservation of Nature and Culture."  For more information on dates, costs, and curriculum, visit the ICCROM website.
In the News    

Sage Grouse Conservation Plans Revealed by Interior Department - Read more from High Country News

 

H.R. 1493 - Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act Passes House 

This bill would make a number of important changes to how the U.S. prevents the destruction of cultural resources overseas. It would grant the President the authority to impose emergency restrictions on the importation of Syrian cultural materials, and establish the position of U.S. Coordinator for International Cultural Property Protection at the State Department to oversee and develop a unified approach to the international cultural property protection activities of numerous federal agencies. Read a letter from organizations supporting the effort here.

 

NY Times Features Op-Ed Calling for Limits to NPS Growth

The authors call for new funding, including the LWCF, to be directed towards meeting Interior's maintenance backlog, rather than to the acquisition of new parks and other public lands. Read more.

 
About Us

The Living Landscape Observer is a website, blog and monthly e-newsletter that offers commentary and information on the emerging field of large landscape conservation. This approach emphasizes the preservation of a "sense of place" and blends ingredients of land conservation, heritage preservation, and sustainable community development. Learn more about how you can get involved or sign up for the newsletter here.  

Our Mission: To provide observations and information on the emerging fields of landscape scale conservation, heritage preservation and sustainable community development.