During the course of our work, we often recognize topics of emerging concern.  When appropriate, we conduct covenings to share our observations with colleagues and work with them to develop new understanding and approaches.

For example, during 2004 we recognized that farmland protected through conservation easement or purchase of development rights programs is sometimes allowed to go fallow, which weakens the region's ability to product food.  Our Convening, You Saved It, Now What?, brought local officials, land trust professionals, farmers and others together to discuss steps that could be taken to encourage owners to keep this land in production.

For example, in some regions land preserved for farming has begun to be sold for horse farms.  One innovative land trust has begun to pay landowners slightly more for conservation easements that preclude equestrian use as well as development.  Participants concurred that the most important step municipalities can take is to ensure that their zoning and other regulations support rather than inhibit farming practices.  This was the first step in a continuing dialogue on this emerging issue.