Regenerative Conservation and Community Renewal
Across North America, restoration, rehabilitation, and remediation of open lands continues to gain momentum. From prairie towns to forested valleys, communities are rediscovering the power of natural systems—not only to repair degraded landscapes, but to strengthen local economies, cultural identity, and long-term resilience. Regenerative conservation is emerging as a practical framework for rural renewal, one […]
Less Is More: Conservation, Efficiency, and Electrification in Rural Communities
Energy isn’t usually what draws people into small‑town leadership. You run for the council or join the planning commission because you care about streets and schools, housing and jobs, maybe the new playground down by the river. But sooner or later, usually at budget time, the line items for electricity, natural gas, and fuel start […]
How To Catalyze Regenerative Conservation for Community Renewal
This is Part Four in our series on Conservation and the Great Outdoors: Exploring how rural open lands regeneration, nature-based solutions, and local leadership are transforming conservation into a catalyst for community renewal and long-term rural resilience. Restoration, rehabilitation, and remediation of open lands is gaining momentum across North America, sparking a quiet revolution in […]
How Small Towns Can Build a Strong Outdoor Economy Without Selling Out
This is Part Three in our series on Conservation and the Great Outdoors: Exploring how small towns and gateway communities are building sustainable outdoor economies that serve both people and place. As outdoor recreation grows in popularity across the U.S., small towns near natural landmarks face both new opportunities and familiar pressures. The promise of […]
June Series Introduction: Conservation and the Great Outdoors—Planning for Vibrant Rural Communities
June transforms spring into summer as we turn our attention to the landscapes and ecosystems that define rural communities across North America. Conservation is more than an environmental imperative; it’s a strategic tool for planners and policymakers working to build vibrant, resilient communities. From national parks and wilderness areas to local trails and working landscapes, […]
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No-Till Farming for Planners: Boosting Soil Health and Rural Growth
Soil is essential to environmental sustainability. Soil is one of the most valuable natural resources in rural communities, yet it is often overlooked in planning and policy discussions. Conventional tillage methods contribute to soil erosion, water runoff, and declining fertility—threatening both agricultural productivity and local ecosystems. No-till farming offers a solution, reducing soil disturbance while […]
Trout Go To School
The worst day fishing is better than the best day working… If anybody were to host experts on coldwater fisheries, it would be Montana State University at Bozeman. I lived a couple blocks from campus when I worked for Gallatin County. The Yellowstone River to the east, the Madison River to the west, and the […]
Trout Unlimited 50th Anniversery
Every River Has It’s Own Story. Trout Unlimited—known affectionately as TU—turns 50 years old this year. Founded by a group of outdoorsmen and conservationists in Michigan, the organization is a pre-eminent voice for coldwater fish, fisheries and habitat. TU is not just a flyfishing sportsman’s club. The orgnization works to conserve, protect and restore streams […]
A Greater Grid
Policy and politics snapshot on renewable energy and smart-grid transmission technology