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The Washington Conservation Incentives Listserv

In response to the tremendous interest evident at this Forum, the Washington Biodiversity Council is sponsoring a new listserv.

The intent of this discussion list is to provide an opportunity to share information about how landowner incentives and market-based programs can help achieve biodiversity conservation and preservation of agricultural and forestry landscapes in Washington State. more >

Forum Sponsors

This event was hosted by the Washington Biodiversity Council in collaboration with the following partners:

We thank the following organizations for their generous sponsorship of this event:

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The Washington Forum for Conservation Incentives

Washington Forum for Conservation Incentives logo

The Washington Biodiversity Council hosted this one-day interactive event to expand and deepen the dialogue on how landowner incentives can help achieve biodiversity conservation and preservation of agricultural and forestry landscapes.

Nearly 150 people attended the Forum, held at Tacoma's Landmark Convention Center on January 5, 2007.

Proceedings

Proceedings from the Forum are now available here (1 MB pdf). The program included an overview of conservation incentives, plenary panels, and discussion groups.

Forum welcome and audience

Photo: Jen Dial

Setting the Stage
A profile of the role voluntary approaches play in conservation, a brief overview of the range of programs offered in Washington, and highlights of key issues and opportunities.

Speakers:
Gene Duvernoy, President, Cascade Land Conservancy
Opening Presentation (pdf)

Dennis Canty, President, Evergreen Funding Consultants,
Conservation Incentives in Washington: How can we be more successful? (pdf)

Perspectives from the Field
Speakers from different fields gave their perspectives on the following questions:

  • How to improve integration and coordination between incentive programs?
  • How to better address conservation of biodiversity?
  • How to improve landowner access to and benefit from incentive programs?
Panelists:
Mike Shelby, Executive Director, Western Washington Agricultural Association

Ken Miller, Washington Farm Forestry Association

Monty Mahan, District Manager, Pierce Conservation District

Sara Vickerman, Senior Director, Biodiversity Partnerships, Defenders of Wildlife

Participants in Forum

Photo: Jen Dial

Emerging Directions
A snapshot of important trends and developments in the world of conservation incentives.

Speakers:
Don Stuart, Pacific Northwest States Director, American Farmland Trust
What to Expect in the 2007 Farm Bill (pdf)

Michelle Connor, Vice President, Cascade Agenda,
New Tools for Development (pdf)

Bettina von Hagen, Vice President, Ecotrust,
The Growth of Conservation Markets (pdf)

Breakout Group Discussions
The purpose of these facilitated small group sessions was to identify what is needed to improve the effectiveness of conservation incentives. Session leads briefly introduced the topic or tool under discussion and then worked with the participants to discuss the following questions:

  • What related initiatives are currently underway and who are the key players?
  • What is needed to move forward?
  • Is there a specific recommendation which can/should be forwarded in the Washington Biodiversity Council’s 30-year strategy?

The Proceedings (1 MB pdf) contain notes from these sessions.

Sessions:
Conservation Easements & Transfer of Development Rights
Discussion Lead – Charlie Raines, Cascade Land Conservancy

Conservation Banking
Discussion Lead – Jan Cassin, Parametrix

Conservation Action Registry
Discussion Lead – Gina LaRocco, Defenders of Wildlife

Regulatory Flexibility
Discussion Leads – David Burger, Stewardship Partners & Josh Weiss, Washington Forest Protection Association

Statewide Incentives Clearinghouse
Discussion Lead – Don Stuart, American Farmland Trust

Ecosystem Services Payments
Discussion Leads – Denise Pranger, Northwest NaturalResources Group & Paula Swedeen, Earth Economics

Certification Programs
Discussion Leads – Larry Nussbaum, Stewardship Partners & Ian Hanna, Northwest Natural Resource Group

Tax Incentives
Discussion Lead – Ted Sullivan, King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks