The Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership (CVCP) is the program Champlain Area Trails (CATS) developed to CONNECT people to nature, CONSERVE natural habitat and scenic vistas, and PROMOTE economic vitality. These actions advance a vision of New York's Champlain Valley where conserved forests and farmland surround vibrant hamlets with people hiking and skiing on a network of trails and using the communities’ products and services in ways that enhance local economies. The key for success is conservation of the landscape so the natural and scenic resources attract visitors and new residents, sustain the communities, and provide habitat for native plants and animals. Here is how CATS-CVCP will accomplish these goals!
1. Build public support, enhance the spirit of community, and promote economic vitality - Conservation depends on public support, people caring about nature, and a strong sense of community. The Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership will build support for conservation in the Champlain Valley by actively promoting outdoor education and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. Working through Champlain Area Trails (CATS) we are developing a trail system that showcases the valley’s beautiful landscapes and biodiversity while connecting the hamlets so people can hike or ski from town to town, shop at local businesses, eat at restaurants featuring local food, and spend nights in the various accommodations.
2. Conserve the landscape of forests, farms, wetlands, waterways, and wildlife corridors - The Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership is the program CATS developed to address the tremendous need for land conservation in New York's Champlain Valley. We work with private landowners and conservation partners to protect land through acquisition, conservation easements, and creative actions that keep the landscape intact. With little state-owned land and increasing development pressure, the valley’s beautiful and biologically-rich landscape is at risk. In 2009, when The Nature Conservancy and Adirondack Land Trust decided to focus finite resources on the Adirondack forests and not the Champlain Valley, it essentially removed the valley’s most active land conservation organization. The Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership has stepped up to fill the void and preserve biological diversity, conserve farmland, protect clean water, and ensure that the scenic vistas remain beautiful and open.
A new future for conservation - The CATS Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership is a new kind of land trust because we combine land protection with outdoor education and public enjoyment of the outdoors. We build public support for conservation while striving to enhance economic vitality, promote small farms, encourage the use of local products, attract visitors, and invite new people to settle in the hamlets and existing homes. This enables us to protect the forests, fields, wetlands, and streams that feature diverse wildlife habitat, beautiful vistas and enjoyable hiking trails. As a result, the Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership will make conservation fun for people, rewarding for communities, and beneficial for wildlife.
