公有地信託基金會(TPL)與美國之郡聯盟(NACo) 3月1日宣布第四屆美國之郡保育大獎的五個贏家，表揚了全美各郡提出的原創之地方性保護區與公園提案中，最具前瞻性、創新與優秀的個案。
得獎的是：
• 21世紀地景保育計畫，Chester County，賓州
• Harris郡控洪區，Harris County，德州
• 公園及保育地，Martin County，佛羅里達州
• 南方公園史蹟保留區，Park County土地及水源信託基金會，Park County，科羅拉多州
• 開放空間收購政策計畫，Suffolk County，紐約
更多詳情請上www.tpl.org/awards。
得獎單位於3月1日在首府華盛頓舉行的美國之郡聯盟年度議會上接受表揚，得獎的各郡也獲得了推動全郡土地保育計畫的旅行獎學金，希望能到全國各地推動有助地區成長議題的適切有效方案。
自1996年以來，有151個郡根據保育計畫來重新分配土地保育的配置，在當時，這些郡已通過260次投票，爭取到143億美元的預算給開放空間、公園、水域、休閒用地及野生動物保留區。10年來所有郡的投票結果，都有超過77%的投票者支持這樣的提案。
「我們可以面對開發的壓力，或是說可以更周詳的角度來面對這樣的議題」公有地信託基金會的總裁羅傑斯(Will Rogers)表示，「地區的保育計畫可以幫助我們的社區在發展時，更有縝密的思考。我們今年表揚的主題是以創造健康並適於居住的生活環境為主軸的提案。」
「隨著美國的發展，郡的發展也將土地這個最重要的因素拋之不顧」羅傑斯表示，「公有地信託基金會與郡的合作，特別是和美國之郡聯盟，肯定了創造一個公園和保育的公用空間，將是讓社區變得更適合人居住、工作和遊戲的核心。」
更多的資訊以及提名表格可以在www.tpl.org/awards或www.naco.org/conservationawards 取得。或致電(617) 367-6200分機303。
公有地信託基金會（TPL）是全國性的非營利土地保育組織，保留讓人們休憩的土地空間，如公園、花園及其他自然環境，確保社區成為民眾可安然居住的空間。自從1972年成立以來，TPL在46州已幫助保護了超過2百萬畝的自然環境。TPL依靠個人、機關團體及公司的支持而運作，可上TPL的網站了解更多訊息。
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) today announced five winning programs for the fourth annual County Leadership in Conservation Awards, which recognizes leadership, innovation, and excellence on local land conservation and park creation initiatives by county leaders across America.
The winners:
Landscapes 21st Century Preservation Program, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County, Texas
Parks and Conservation Lands, Martin County, Florida
South Park Heritage Area, Park County Land & Water Trust Fund, Park County, Colorado
Open Space Acquisition Policy Plan, Suffolk County, New York
For detailed descriptions of the winning programs, visit www.tpl.org/awards.
The winning county programs were honored today at the annual NACo Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. In addition to the national recognition, each county receives a travel scholarship to promote countywide land conservation programs as effective solutions to thoughtful regional growth issues.
Since 1996, 151 counties have prioritized land conservation with new or reconsidered conservation programs. In that time these counties have passed 260 ballot measures, generating $14.3 billion for open space, parks, watersheds, recreational lands, and wildlife preserves. Over 77 percent of all county conservation ballot measures in the last decade have won voter approval.
“We can react to pressures like development, or be thoughtful in our responses,” said Will Rogers, TPL President. “Local conservation programs can help our communities shape thoughtful growth. This year’s winners are being recognized for their commitment to creating healthy, livable places.”
“As America grows, counties are leading the way with setting aside the places that matter most,” said Will Rogers. “The Trust for Public Land’s partnership with counties—and with the National Association of Counties in particular—shows how creating parks and conserving open space are at the heart of making communities great places to live, work, and play.”
The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than two million acres in 46 states. TPL depends on the support of individuals, foundations and corporations. Visit TPL on the Web at www.tpl.org.
Additional information and nomination forms can be accessed on the Web at either www.tpl.org/awards or www.naco.org/conservationawards or by calling (617) 367-6200 ext. 303.
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