Conservation Planning

I specialize in planning that conserves open space and working lands, with a primary goal of protecting critical landscapes and building strong communities.  I provide planning services to western land trusts and other land conservation organizations.  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;
• Consult on implementation of greenways and other connected open-space systems;
• Assist in developing and writing management plans for protected lands;
• Research landscape change, particularly as background for local open-space protection initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse organizations on conservation planning;
• Former professor at the University of Michigan (17 years), with research and teaching specializing in land conservation and planning;
• Professional degrees in landscape architecture with focus on landscape planning;
• Author of numerous published academic and professional articles related to landscape planning and conservation.

Current & Recent Projects:

STRATEGIC LAND CONSERVATION PLANS

Coordinator for a conservation plan for the 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. 
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

Consulted on Swan Basin Restoration Plan for Swan Ecosystem Center, Condon, MT.  2010

Coordinating a written management plan for the American Prairie Foundation’s American Prairie Reserve in north-central Montana. American Prairie Foundation - Bozeman, Montana   2009-2010 

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 

Assisted 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

Coordinated and drafted 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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