The National Workshop on Large Landscape Conservation

October 22 - 24, 2014

Placement of lands under public protection through various reserve systems has historically been a primary means for maintaining and protecting natural resources, native ecosystems and biological diversity. However, there is growing realization that effective conservation at landscape scales, particularly in areas dominated by row crop agriculture, requires an alternative paradigm.  A promising alternative vision is one where production lands support interconnected conservation lands within the larger landscape; and where conservation lands support economic and rural development of the landscapes in which they are embedded. Native perennial grasslands exemplify this paradigm not only because grasslands provide multiple ecosystem services across spatial and ecological scales, but also because grasslands can be incorporated into large landscapes via agriculture and through public protection while grassland commerce catalyzes and supports both. This session provides examples of native grasslands and commerce involving private and public lands, and the many benefits that result for large landscapes: within cropping systems (i.e., agroecology), in bioenergy industry (e.g., anaerobic digestion), and in wildlife production (e.g., haying).  An example of regional coordination is also provided, illustrating the importance of collaborative research, issue promotion and outreach regarding native grasslands and commerce-oriented conservation solutions pertaining to large landscapes.  Speakers include scientists, industry leaders, and resource managers from academia, private industry and government.  Together, the presentations show how native grasslands and associated commerce can help meet the economic needs of society and the ecological goals of the conservation community while connecting and augmenting protected areas within landscapes.