ABSTRACT
Communities throughout the nation face considerable challenges as they attempt to preserve water quality and quantity, protect representative samples of biological diversity, and provide recreational opportunities for all citizens to enjoy. Since the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, federal, state, and local governments have served as the primary conduit for protecting and conserving our nation’s critical lands, waters, and wildlife (Endicott 1993). However, particularly in the past 40 years, nonprofit conservation organizations have played an increasingly important role in conserving land and waters that improve quality of life and, in many cases, support local economies (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR] 2006). As a result many government agencies are beginning to recognize the growing influence and important function provided by nonprofit conservation organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy and local land trusts. Navigating the often complex nature of natural resource protection, government agencies and nonprofit conservation organizations both realize the benefits of collaborating. These types of public-private partnerships are moving away from what were once primarily ad hoc activities and projects toward more systemic partnerships and programs (Endicott 1993).
