Planning Services

Donna Erickson specializes in planning that conserves open space and working lands, with a primary goal of protecting intact landscapes and strong communities.  These projects include land conservation plans, facilitated strategic plans, and collaborative management plans. 

Services:

• Coordinate strategic land conservation plans to help land trusts identify where they should focus time and resources;
• Facilitate strategic planning with staffs and Boards of Directors, including completing written plans;
• Assist in developing and writing management plans for protected lands;
• Consult on implementation of greenways and other connected open-space systems;
• Research landscape change, particularly as background for local open-space protection initiatives.

"Donna was professional, but approachable and extremely timely in all of her work. I know she’s working on a lot of projects at the moment, but she always seemed incredibly focused on us!"

Current & Recent Projects:

LAND CONSERVATION PLANS

Coordinated a conservation plan for the 21 million-acre High Divide Region of Montana and Idaho Heart of the Rockies Initiative - Montana, Idaho, Wyoming    2008-2010

Developed a GIS-based strategic land conservation plan that covers the land trust’s service area in seven western Montana counties.
Five Valleys Land Trust - Missoula, Montana  2009

Created greenway plans for the Brightmoor and Corktown-Mexicantown neighborhoods in inner-city Detroit, focusing on non-motorized transportation and recreation for health benefits. Healthy Environments Partnership, School of Public Health, University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, Michigan  2007.
Brightmoor's Lyndon Greenway: Catalyst for Community Revival (4.7 MB)
Expanding the Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink: Connecting Southwest Neighbors (5.7 MB)
Healthy Environments Partnership, School of Public Health, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Michigan  2007

MANAGEMENT PLANS

Produced the Blackfoot Community Conservation Area Plan, in collaboration with a Blackfoot Challenge management committee.
The Blackfoot Challenge - Ovando, Montana  2008

Developed the Elk Creek Conservation Area Management Plan; facilitated a management committee composed of Swan Valley residents, biologists, foresters, and other relevant professionals. 
Swan Ecosystem Center - Condon Montana  2007 

Provided technical assistance for the Swan Basin Restoration Plan, developed by the Swan Ecosystem Center and the Swan Lands Coordinating Committee—Condon, Montana 2010.

Facilitate sessions of a joint task force examining collaborative opportunities between Swan Ecosystem Center and Northwest Connections—Condon, Montana 2011

Assist in developing a three-year strategic plan for the western program, including outreach strategies, case studies on western states, and service provision approaches.
Land Trust Alliance, Western Region - Missoula, Montana  2008

Coordinate and draft a 3-5 year strategic plan for Gallatin Valley Land Trust, including facilitation of Board/staff retreats. 
Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Bozeman, Montana  2009 

Convened and facilitated the Missoula County Open Lands Working Group, collaborating with county government and rural residents throughout the county.  Background work for a county open-lands bond measure.   
Five Valleys Land Trust - Missoula, Montana 2005-2006

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