Breaking barriers

Arizona Land and Water Trust has grown the conservation community, breaking barriers and forging new alliances across the state. Even with people who describe themselves as hard-headed cowboys.

“They took me — a frickin hard-headed, old cowboy — and helped guide us through a pretty funky transition with the purchase of this land by Pima County,” said Doc Clyne, owner of Clyne Ranch in Arizona. “The result of that is I’m still here on this really ugly spot today.”

Clyne, whose “really ugly spot” was unspoiled grassland with spectacular mountain views, still sings the praises of the accredited Arizona Land and Water Trust. And that's years after the organization helped Clyne find a funding source, guide him through the process and establish a legacy.

“The trust has been so instrumental in preserving such a huge portion — of thousands of acres that any developer would kill for,” he said. “And so this will remain like this.”

But our success pivots on federal policies and funding. Laws like the Farm Bill provide billions of dollars for conservation. Tax incentives get more landowners to protect their land. Tax policy encourages people to donate to nonprofits. All of that is at risk. We must work together and win on policy, opening up new opportunities for every land trust. Because when we lose, opportunities shut down.

To that end, we’re pleased to announce a new match opportunity: All gifts received by December 31, 2016, will be matched dollar for dollar up to $65,000. This opportunity was made possible through the generosity of a dedicated group of donors coming together to save the places people love. Your gift today doubles the difference we can make in strengthening land conservation across America.