Regional Conservation Priorities Program

Each year the Washington Smart Growth Alliance formally recognizes the regional conservation priorities that hold the most promise for contributing to our future quality of life. Our Regional Conservation Priorities list, published in the fall, highlights the initiatives, projects or programs that will encourage better conservation in the region in the broadest sense. Recognized projects range from rural land preservation policies, on-the-ground conservation projects, to urban “green” restoration initiatives. The Alliance presents this concise, attractive publication at a press conference that usually receives significant attention in the press.

The philosophy behind the program.
The Alliance believes that land conservation is more than just an amenity. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Anacostia River to the Blue Ridge, thoughtfully conceived conservation initiatives can help shape growth patterns over time and enhance land stewardship, air and water quality, and quality of life.

Done well, these projects can also reduce opposition to smart growth development by increasing certainty that high-quality open space will be preserved in the region or that green components of urban environments will be restored.

As a unique partnership of environmental, civic, real estate and business organizations, the Alliance can promote wider public awareness and provide critical support of these projects.

What kinds of projects are eligible for nomination?

• Specific parcels or geographic areas in need of preservation as working open space, parkland or natural areas

• State, regional or local policies/programs to promote land conservation or preservation of green infrastructure

• Capital projects that will benefit the natural environment, such as stream restoration or storm water management projects

• Restoration initiatives focusing on contaminated and/or blighted parcels, places or resources

How are the selections made?

The process begins in the spring with the Conservation Summit, where conservation, government and business representatives come together to identify a wide range of potential candidates for listing from throughout the region. To this list are added any other nominations received from other interested parties. During the summer the Alliance's Conservation Jury reviews nominations.  In early fall the jury makes a final selection of those programs or projects that hold the most promise for contributing to the region's future quality of life. The jury also selects those projects that can benefit most from independent support as they seek to increase public awareness, obtain funding or legislative support, or gain local or regional consensus or approval.  Meet the conservation jurors.

How can you participate?
Anyone can nominate a conservation initiative for recognition and listing by submitting some basic information about the project or program to the Alliance. Download the nomination form here.

What is the deadline for nominations?
Submit a nomination for the 2009 program now.  See the link on the sidebar to download a form that can be filled out and submitted online!   

2009 Conservation Summit a great success! 

This year's Conservation Summit exceeded all expectations by attracting an unprecedented number of government, civic, environmental and business representatives to assist the Alliance in launching our program and our conservation project nomination process! 

The conservation jury is now well into the research phase of the program, but it is not too late to submit a nomination. If you know of a project that meets the program eligibilty requirements, download and fill out a nomination form online!   

Publicity for Regional Conservation Priorities 2006-2007 in Washington Business Journal

The Alliance supports regional conservation priorities in part by publicizing them. See a copy of our conservation project advertisement from the Washington Business Journal (February 29, 2008 issue).