Proceedings from a Two-Day Conference of Ideas and Experience, 2001

Taken from Back Cover:
"Our nation's working landscapes reflect the character of rural America. They represent family values, community life, and a work ethic often providing liveliehood from nature's bounty. In the 21st century, a new and necessary obligation of the American conservation movement is to ensure the long-term stewardship of our working landscapes. It will require a new understanding and appreciation of rural communitites, their people, their society, and the essential role of private stewardship in sustaining working landscapes. These proceedings represent the beginning of a new dialogue as we frame a common agenda for the conservation movement and rural communities. Working together, we will ensure an enduring land legacy for all time. -Patrick F. Noonan, Chairman, The Conservation Fund

Contents:

• Prologue
• Overview
• What is a Grassbank?
• Why Are Grassbanks Created?
• Ranching Perspectives
• Non-Profit, Philanthropic Perspectives
• Federal Perspectives
• Scientific Perspectives
• Questions About Grassbanks
• Conclusions
• Conference Presenters
• Appendix A: Valle Grande Grass Bank Monitoring Protocol