Benefits of land conservation

The Trust for Public Land is an organization that creates parks and protects lands with the goal of ensuring healthy and livable communities. This study goes over the benefits of land conservation. 

Here's an excerpt from their 2021 report on benefits to conservation:

“These spaces increase property values, improve water quality, infiltrate stormwater, reduce air pollution, enhance community health, provide recreational opportunities and attract visitors, boost economic development, and bolster the farming, forest, and fishing industries. Conserved farms, forests, trails, and parks support local jobs, increase spending at local businesses, save residents money through reduced health care costs from improved air quality, reduce costs to local governments, and generate local tax revenue” (The Trust for Public Land, 2021).

"Land conservation supports the forestry, farming, and fishing industries in the region by helping to maintain the working landscape on which these industries depend. The forest products industry in the region supports local livelihoods by providing 1,440 direct jobs with an associated $92.1 million in annual wages" (The Trust for Public Land, 2021).

"Trees and shrubs on conserved farms, in forests and parks, and along trails remove air pollutants that endanger human health and damage structures. These spaces on the North Olympic Peninsula provide health benefits and reduce pollution control costs by $25.8 million per year" (The Trust for Public Land, 2021).

By conserving farms, forests, trails and parks, there are many economic benefits and resources that come from protecting these lands. These lands generate tourism and travel, strengthening economic development through money spent on the trip as well as creating jobs. This in return, also attracts businesses and increases the property value near parks. Parks provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities that benefit physical health. Along with the improved water quality and reduced air pollution, people’s health is further increased while also reducing health care costs. 

By enabling outdoor experiences, these lands generate a lot of money, people and businesses that benefit both the economy and people’s health. People hold high value in conserved land. How can designers contribute to conserving the land while also benefiting both the economy and people?

References.

The Trust for Public Land. (2021). The economic benefits of conserved lands, trails, and parks on the North Olympic Peninsula. https://www.tpl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NOP-Economic-Benefits-Report.pdf