Engaging Residents in Land Conservation

Feb 22, 2019

2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Using GIS, Community Engagement, and Citizen Science to Support Conservation Outreach

Overview

The Lake Placid Land Conservancy wanted to expand conservation participation within the Ausable and Saranac River watersheds. Reaching more landowners required more than broad outreach: the organization first needed to understand where conservation opportunities were concentrated and then develop practical ways for people to participate. Green Goat Maps supported a three-phase program combining GIS analysis, community engagement, and citizen-science outreach planning.

This map highlights private parcels and focus areas within the Adirondack Park, showcasing land classifications such as wilderness, wild forest, and conservation easements. Key focus areas include Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Wilmington, and Jay, with private parcels marked in orange and yellow, differentiated by size. It emphasizes the interaction between private land, conservation zones, and wilderness areas, illustrating the region’s diverse land use. The legend provides details on state land classifications, river watersheds, and protected areas, with prominent features like the High Peaks Wilderness and Lake Placid Focus Area.

Our Approach to the Project

Phase I used GIS to identify priority areas and ecological and cultural resources relevant to conservation planning. Phase II used community conservation workshops to gather information about landowner interests, concerns, and potential barriers to participation. Phase III developed a written citizen-science outreach framework and participation protocols designed to make involvement more approachable for landowners.

Key Deliverables

The project produced GIS analyses and priority maps, a community-engagement process, and a written citizen-science outreach framework tailored to LPLC's target audiences.

This map focuses on the Lake Placid area, illustrating private land parcels alongside state land classifications like wilderness, wild forest, and intensive use zones. Private parcels are highlighted in orange and yellow, representing sizes of 10–49 acres and 50 acres or more, respectively. The red dashed line outlines the Lake Placid focus area, bordered by notable landmarks such as the Sentinel Range Wilderness and McKenzie Mountain Wilderness. A clear legend helps identify land types, water bodies, and conservation easements within the region.

Challenges & Solutions

Conservation outreach is most effective when geography and human relationships are considered together. GIS alone could identify important landscapes but not explain whether landowners were interested in participating. Workshops alone could generate enthusiasm but not establish where conservation efforts would have the greatest strategic value. The project combined both types of information so outreach could be more targeted and grounded in community input.

Results & Client Value

LPLC gained tools for prioritizing conservation outreach geographically and a structured approach for engaging residents in conservation and citizen science. The value of the project was not simply a map or an outreach document, but a process for connecting spatial conservation priorities with people who live on and care for the landscape.

Looking for a Similar Solution?

Trying to move from a conservation strategy to actual landowner participation? Green Goat Maps can combine GIS, outreach, and citizen-science planning to help turn geographic priorities into community action.