Links & Resources

National Organizations

• American Farmland Trust http://www.farmland.org/ - Their mission is to save the land that sustains us by protecting America's farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and ensuring an economically sustainable future for farmers and ranchers.

• Land Trust Alliance http://www.landtrustalliance.org/ - This is the national service organization for land trusts and is an excellent resource for learning about the land trust movement on a national scale, including efforts to make tax benefits better for landowners who donate conservation easements.

• National Park Service (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm -

• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/home - NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.

• The Nature Conservancy http://www.nature.org/ - The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

• The Trust for Public Land http://www.tpl.org/ - The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Their focus is with city park creation, state and local conservation funding, and using GIS for conservation planning.

State/Regional Organizations

• Alliance for the Cumberlands http://allianceforthecumberlands.org/ - The Alliance is a partnership of public and private organizations committed to conserving the Cumberland Plateau's natural & cultural resources. Foothills Land Conservancy is a member of the organization.

• Tennessee Century Farms Program http://www.tncenturyfarms.org/ - The Tennessee Century Farms Program was created in 1975 by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as part of our nation's bicentennial celebration. In 1985, the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University assumed the responsibility for the program. The program was originally designed and continues to be a recognition and documentary effort. First, it honors and recognizes the dedication and contributions of families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. After 30 years, the statewide and ongoing program has 1,447 certified farms. Of that number 143 are 200 years old, 625 are 150 years old, and 679 are over 100 years old.

• Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/

• Tennessee Farmer's Cooperative http://www.ourcoop.com/ourcoop08/main/default.aspx

• Tennessee Farmland Legacy http://farmlandlegacy.utk.edu/ - Formed in February of 2010 with the purpose to serve as an authoritative resource, to provide information and assistance, and to encourage both farm level and community planning that promotes the preservation and viability of working farms in Tennessee.

• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency http://www.tn.gov/twra/