Saving America's Countryside: A Guide to Rural Conservation,Used

Product DescriptionA new edition of the book that received the Historic Preservation Book Prize and the American Society for Landscape Architects' Honor AwardSince publication of the first edition of Saving America's Countryside in 1989, the fight to save America's rural resources has met with much success. Approaches considered experimental just a decade agogreenways and heritage areas, for exampleare now widespread. Yet at the same time, such disquieting developments as continuing suburban sprawl, the weakening of federal laws, and the socalled property rights movement all suggest that work remains to be done.Saving America's Countryside was the first and is still the only comprehensive, stepbystep guide to protecting the natural, historic, scenic, and agricultural resources of a rural community. The authors show how to organize a conservation effort, inventory available resources, pass effective new laws, set up land trusts, take advantage of federal programs, and change public attitudes.The thoroughly revised and updated second edition reports on changes in conservation over the past eight years and adds a chapter on making economic development compatible with rural conservation. It includes new case studies, more than fifty new illustrations, and a section on heritage tourism. As in the previous edition, the detailed case studies document a variety of successfuland often surprisingly innovativeconservation efforts by residents of rural communities throughout the United States.Review"A collective voice raised for small towns, farms, and nature's wonders, and a conviction that hardfocused work can change the course of events for the better. This is a howto book, with lots of telling examples." Washington Post, reviewing a previous edition or volume"[These] stories of stopping unwanted highways, protecting open space, finding financing to preserve historical buildings make Saving America's Countryside an inspiring resource guide." Utne Reader, reviewing a previous edition or volume"This community action guide from the National Trust for Historic Preservation suggests that even in the heartland, rugged individualism must be tempered." Newsweek, reviewing a previous edition or volume"If successful conservation is a matter of systematic, rational planning, then this is your guide. Case studies of effective local action. Good graphics and uptodate legal and technical advice." Common Ground, reviewing a previous edition or volume"An invaluable handbook that educates the reader in both the knowledge and the practicalities necessary to apply that knowledge... A necessary resource for anyone concerned with or involved in fostering the cultural, social, and personal heritage embodied in the land." Landscape Journal, reviewing a previous edition or volumeBook Description"[These] stories of stopping unwanted highways, protecting open space, finding financing to preserve historical buildings make Saving America's Countryside an inspiring resource guide." Utne ReaderAbout the AuthorSamuel N. Stokes designed and initiated the Rural Heritage Program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He now works for the National Park Service, where he manages the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. A. Elizabeth Watson consults on heritage planning, conservation, and sustainable development. She has worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, the Land Trust Alliance, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and now works with JMA/Watson. Shelley S. Mastran is director of the Rural Heritage Program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.