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Today, farmland and forests continue to disappear. New farmers cannot afford land. We face compounding crises of climate change and social injustice. Our fragmented communities are less connected to land and nature. And, our children need hope for the future. ASA is responding to these challenges through its land protection efforts.

ASA's Strategic Land Conservation Plan is a roadmap for protecting land in Washington and Rensselaer counties. The plan focuses on protecting farmland, forests, and community lands that are essential for maintaining vibrant agricultural communities. The plan sets clear priorities for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of
farmland, while also including criteria for conserving forests and woodlands.

The plan also places focus on the importance of connecting people to the land and protecting working lands that
meet community needs. Climate resilience is now a key consideration for all land conservation projects. ASA is committed to conserving an additional 15,000 acres of land by the end of 2030.

GOAL 1
Conserve Farmland: Protect the land base that is the foundation of a vibrant farm economy by conserving an additional 12,000 acres of diverse, resilient, and viable agricultural land.

GOAL 2
Conserve Working Forests: Protect the land base that is part of a viable rural economy by conserving 2,500 acres of working forest and woodland that can produce a variety of forest products as well as ecosystem services like
carbon storage.

GOAL 3
Grow Community: Invest in deeper and more diverse relationships between people and the land by facilitating the conservation of 500 acres of land in partnership with communities throughout Washington and Rensselaer counties.