ABSTRACT
Land conservation and preservation are slightly different strategies but often work together to achieve the common goal of sustaining species and ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy describes land conservation as "balancing the needs of people and nature". Conservation and preservation initiatives require either the direct acquisition of land through outright purchase or donation or the negotiation of easements with landowners. Acquisitions are usually conducted by state or federal governments, universities, or local or national non-profit land trusts. Since public funding is usually limited, land trusts are often better suited and more prepared to negotiate with private landowners. The state of Vermont has been a leader in conservation and preservation efforts since the 1960s. In 1960, the Vermont chapter of the Nature Conservancy was started by two professors from the University of Vermont – James Marvin and Hub Vogelmann – who began purchasing and preserving environmentally sensitive land across the state.
