Protecting Priority Landscapes
The NRWA approaches our work holistically, viewing the watershed as an intricately entwined system whose health and resilience depends on the strength of each component. We know that our land use dramatically impacts the health of our waterways and communities, which makes land protection and land use planning essential parts of our work.
Permanently protected natural areas are critical to supporting healthy habitats for a diversity of plants and animal life, and to creating unfragmented corridors that allow for the safe movement of wildlife. These natural spaces also protect water quality, lessen the impact of climate change, and provide recreational opportunities for our communities.
The protection of our terrestrial and riparian ecosystems can be accomplished through the permanent protection, restoration, and stewardship of natural spaces, along with advocacy for good land use planning and practices.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
— Albert Einstein
Greenway Protection
Protecting riverside greenway helps to ensure a healthy aquatic ecosystem by filtering pollutants, preventing soil erosion, providing floodways, and protecting wildlife habitat.
Forest Protection
The most important product of protected forestlands is clean water. Mature forests are also vital for carbon sequestration and storage as a nature-based solution to addressing the impacts of climate change
Land Use Planning
Well-designed local bylaws, regulations, natural resource and open space plans can aid greatly in ensuring that new development is balanced with protection of natural resources for resilient and sustainable communities.
Contact for Land Programs
Marisa Browning-Kamins
Senior Land Protection & Restoration Associate
Senior Land and Climate Associate
Community Programs Director/Wild & Scenic Council Coordinator