A Conservation Agenda for the Finger Lakes Region

Bold new report highlights 10 strategies for permanently protecting the priceless lands and waters of our region

The Finger Lakes Land Trust, in consultation with over 40 organizations, has identified 10 strategies for seizing timely opportunities, countering active threats, and securing the lands and waters that sustain agriculture, tourism, and quality of life.  The illustrated report, Lakes, Farms, and Forests Forever, is available free online so you can download digital copies, request free print copies, and see success stories.  Please visit fllt.org/top10 and share with friends who love the Finger Lakes.

The strategies were developed through a review of natural resource inventories and conservation plans, coupled with outreach to public conservation agencies, planning departments, watershed groups, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.

The 10 strategies are grouped into 3 themes:

Protect Our Lakes, Streams, and Drinking Water

• Buffer Our Streams & Create New Wetlands
• Save Our Last Undeveloped Shoreline Now
• Protect the City of Syracuse Drinking Water Supply
• more about this theme

Save Farms, Wineries, and Rural Character

• Save Threatened Farms & Wineries
• Protect Scenic Vistas & Designated Byways on Cayuga and Seneca Lakes
• Maintain Rural Character Through Stronger Land Use Planning
• more about this theme

Keep Nature Wild and Enhance Public Access

• Create the Canandaigua Skyline Trail
• Complete Cayuga Lake’s Emerald Necklace
• Create the Chemung River Greenbelt
• Save the South End of Skaneateles Lake
• more about this theme

What can you do?

If you love the Finger Lakes region, please take a moment to read Lakes, Farms, and Forests Forever.  You can download a digital copy at fllt.org/top10 and request free print copies.  Please share with friends who love our lands and waters, and consider supporting the Finger Lakes Land Trust by becoming a member and getting involved at our events and volunteer opportunities.