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Figure 4: Recreation Priorities	get hi res map

Research, Planning & Monitoring
A key role for the Partnership has been to link research and monitoring to conservation planning and to promote new research on topics where it is most needed. In addition, many agencies and organizations have plans that address lands specific to their jurisdiction. It is essential to ensure the integration and consistency of these plans with the conservation vision of the BRBNA.

Creative Land Protection
Land can be permanently protected through the purchase or donation of property or conservation easements, or through county zoning laws that promote land use activities compatible with conservation. Important elements of land protection include identifying strategic parcels for protection, ongoing communication with landowners and developers, and networking with potential partners about land saving opportunities.

Active Stewardship
While acquiring land and easements can begin the process of protection for some lands, caring for the land through active management and stewardship supports the health of ecosystems and natural processes over time. Stewardship activities allow a private rancher or landowner to enhance the productivity and value of his or her land while working to achieve BRBNA conservation objectives.

Sustainable Economics
Meeting local and regional economic needs in ways that promote conservation and sustainability is key to building a strong constituency of conservation supporters for the BRBNA that includes businesses and local governments. Appropriate economic generators such as ranching operations and nature-based tourism and recreation all add value to the land and provide an enduring rationale for its protection.

Ongoing Outreach
The Partnership works to create opportunities for people, organizations, businesses, government bodies and agencies to learn about threats to the BRBNA and participate in conservation efforts. Through workshops, materials, meetings and other mediums, the Partnership seeks to increase awareness of the BRBNA’s importance. Figure 4: Recreation Priorities

Optimizing Partnerships & Resources
The best opportunities for collaboration arise directly out of conservation challenges. As the Partnership has demonstrated for nearly a decade, working together offers many benefits – sharing knowledge and resources, increasing efficiency, and minimizing redundancy and conflict. It also creates lasting relationships among partners who can achieve more by working together. Participation in the BRBNA Conservation Partnership The Partnership is a tremendous resource for those interested in conservation of the BRBNA. In addition to regular meetings where the partners share information about their activities, the group also serves as the nexus for collaborative efforts. The Partnership can assist with developing grant proposals, coordinating land protection and stewardship, mediating conflicts, and supporting research and monitoring. The Partnership also maintains the BRBNA website and an internet list-serve to help partners exchange information and improve public outreach efforts.

The Essential Ingredient: Your Support & Involvement

State and Federal Agencies can administer programs, set policies, and revise regulations for agency-held lands within the BRBNA. They can also continue to coordinate actions with others; provide technical assistance; and help facilitate stewardship activities on state and federal lands. Agencies can also review proposed projects, provide grant support, and coordinate with other partners.

Nonprofit Organizations, Stewardship Groups & Academic Institutions can participate in education, advocacy, land protection, scientific research and monitoring, and restoration and enhancement. They can also collaborate on management planning, stewardship projects, and outreach.

Counties can ensure that General Plans and land use policies continue to support the conservation of the BRBNA. They can coordinate these plans and policies with the management plans of the area’s State and Federal land management agencies.

Ranchers & Agricultural Landownerscan implement principles of sustainable agriculture and control erosion, protect riparian areas, and remove exotic species. You can also prepare management plans for your land and provide permanent protection of your ranch through conservation easements.

Businesses can conserve water, properly dispose of any hazardous waste the business may generate, and provide in-kind or funding support to conservation efforts. You can also participate in efforts to ensure that economic development is sustainable and directed to benefit local enterprises.

Gateway Communitiescan examine ways to capitalize on opportunities to provide BRBNA visitor-related services.

Residents can become stewards of their own backyards and neighborhoods – conserving water, planting native vegetation, and using nontoxic garden supplies. You can also participate in local land trusts, stewardship groups, and the BRBNA Conservation Partnership.

Visitors should follow posted rules and regulations; avoid littering and dumping of hazardous materials; and respect natural resources and private property.

Join Us
This Conservation Framework is a collaborative conservation vision of the BRBNA – a vision based upon good science, inclusiveness of all stakeholders, and the voluntary participation of the members of the Partnership. As one of California’s most biologically significant landscapes, the BRBNA presents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity to create a coordinated public/private conservation program – one that will lead to greater participation and involvement and new opportunities to protect and enhance this unique region. Please join us in making this vision a reality!