Southern Nevada and Gallatin, Tennessee are both facing the challenge of limited developable land and its impact on economic growth. In Southern Nevada, the lack of available land is hindering the region's ability to diversify its economy and attract innovative companies [f618cd7b]. The Clark County Lands Bill, currently under consideration, aims to extend the disposal boundary by 42,000 acres, providing opportunities for economic growth while also protecting sensitive habitats and expanding tribal trust lands [f618cd7b]. The support and involvement of both the public and private sectors are crucial in gaining access to land and achieving economic diversification in Southern Nevada [f618cd7b]. Similarly, in Gallatin, city leaders are considering the purchase of 386 acres of land known as The Meadows for a city-owned planned business park. This economic development project aims to accommodate the city's growth and attract more industries to the area [71befd26]. By investing in land for economic development, both Southern Nevada and Gallatin are taking proactive steps to unlock their economic potential and create quality career opportunities for their residents.
Florida landowners need to participate in land conservation programs to preserve the state's natural lands and protect property values. Both Republican and Democratic governors have supported initiatives like Save Our Everglades, Preservation 2000, and Florida Forever [8fc21268]. Local efforts and grassroots support have also been significant. The state has committed over $900 million in funding this year, with additional federal support [8fc21268]. Conservation easements are being used to allow landowners to retain ownership while benefiting from development rights. Innovative developers have found that blending conservation into development plans can increase land value [8fc21268]. The North Florida Land Trust has been leading these efforts for 24 years and is ready to assist landowners in this endeavor [8fc21268]. Landowners are encouraged to take advantage of the available tools and opportunities before they are no longer available. The goal is to preserve the "real" Florida for future generations while also considering economic provisions [8fc21268].
On March 12, 2024, the Florida Conservation Group (FCG) Executive Director joined Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to announce the establishment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area in southwest Florida. The 4-million-acre conservation area borders the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and spans 12 counties west of Lake Okeechobee. It includes the watersheds of the Peace River, Myakka River, Fisheating Creek, and Caloosahatchee River. The Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area is home to over 70 federally or state-listed threatened and endangered species. FCG partnered with the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System, the University of Florida's Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, and the National Wildlife Refuge Association to establish the conservation area. The announcement coincided with a community celebration at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge to mark the National Wildlife Refuge System's 121st anniversary [666445ed].
The Great Salt Lake in Utah is facing a crisis as it is disappearing, and this has led to a controversial response from the state. On March 20, 2024, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a law that prohibits granting legal personhood to animals, plants, or major ecosystems like the Great Salt Lake [d262352a]. This move is a response to the rights of nature movement in Utah, which has been seeking legal personhood for the Great Salt Lake. The law puts Utah in line with Ohio and Florida, which have also banned rights of nature [d262352a]. These laws are seen as attempts to prevent disruptions to corporate exploitation of the natural world. However, rights of nature advocates are now faced with the challenge of adapting their tactics and strategies to enforce the rights of nature outside of courtrooms and the legislative process [d262352a].
The battle for land development and conservation continues to shape the economic and environmental landscapes in different parts of the United States. While Southern Nevada and Gallatin, Tennessee are actively pursuing land development to unlock economic growth and create job opportunities, Florida is focusing on land conservation to preserve its natural lands and protect property values. In Utah, the Great Salt Lake is at the center of a contentious debate over the rights of nature and corporate exploitation. These ongoing struggles highlight the importance of finding a balance between economic development and environmental preservation [f618cd7b], [71befd26], [8fc21268], [d262352a].
In St. George, Washington County, Utah, a new battle is brewing over the proposed Northern Corridor Highway. The highway, if constructed, would threaten the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and the habitat of the desert tortoise [d3fb50f9]. The reserve was acquired with $20 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the highway would contradict the purpose of the reserve by paving over the land. The construction of the highway would damage scenic vistas, cultural sites, and recreational opportunities that draw over 200,000 visitors annually and generate millions of dollars for the local economy [d3fb50f9]. Additionally, the highway would have a significant impact on the high-density population of Mojave desert tortoises and fragment critical habitat, leading to a loss of genetic diversity and species connectivity [d3fb50f9]. The authors of an opinion piece argue for smarter development and alternative solutions to protect the natural spaces in southern Utah [d3fb50f9].
Pennsylvania's Kittatinny Ridge has been declared a Sentinel Landscape, placing it amongst the most protected regions in Eastern North America. The designation aims to strengthen military readiness, conserve natural resources, boost agricultural and forestry economies, and enhance resilience to climate change [0f726340]. The protection of Kittatinny Ridge's natural resources also fortifies conservation efforts in the region and protects the training missions of the Pennsylvania National Guard [0f726340]. The designation is the result of the collective efforts of over 50 federal, state, local, and private entities [0f726340]. Major General Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania's adjutant general, emphasizes the importance of the designation in protecting critical land and air space for training purposes [0f726340]. The designation also benefits avian life, particularly migrating raptors, and contributes to the rich biodiversity of the area [0f726340]. Private landowners are invited to participate in the initiative and contribute to environmental stability and national security [0f726340].