The Florida National Scenic Trail Case Study
The case study defines the situation and strategic issues arising from an analysis of the resource that is the focus of the partnership, the Florida National Scenic Trail (the Trail), and the partnership relationship. It also reviews the partnership reinvention process designed by Conservation Impact and used to develop an updated resource agreement, a set of shared strategic goals, and a new partnership model.
By Leigh Goldberg, Shelli Bischoff, Karen Buck
Conservation Impact
The public lands system in the United States has a long history of using public-private partnerships to run visitor services such as youth programs, raise private funds, and engage citizens in land stewardship and environmental education. In many instances, the nonprofit organizations in public-private partnerships have also been instrumental in securing congressional designations for national trails, monuments, and parks as well as wild and scenic rivers and wilderness areas.
Many such partnerships are fifty (or more) years old! And while public-private partnerships
have achieved numerous “win-win” results during that time, the intervening years have
also brought significant shifts in the country’s demographics, political and cultural trends,
and land use issues. As with any relationship, these partnerships must adapt to changing
circumstances in order to remain relevant and meaningful. This case study outlines the
systematic process used to analyze and ultimately reinvent the partnership between a federal
agency – the United States Forest Service (USFS) – and its nonprofit partner, the Florida Trail
Association (FTA).
Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study
posted Feb 14, 2023
The primary goal of this study was to understand who uses the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), how they use it, their preferences, and the economic impact of the CDT in the region. Additional data were also collected regarding protecting public lands and using the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado.
Sustaining Wildlife With Recreation on Public Lands
posted Jul 20, 2021
A Synthesis of Research Findings, Management Practices, and Research Needs
Models for Equine-Based Use of State Fish & Wildlife Lands
posted Jul 22, 2020
In June of 2009 the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource examined three models—New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico—for equine-based use and enjoyment of state game lands (commonly known as Wildlife Management Areas or WMAs) and formulated general recommendations for horsemen in other states seeking access to the same.
