Appalachian Forest Conservation Opportunities for The Heinz Endowments

Goal: Assess the need for a new Appalachian forest conservation initiative and identify opportunities for collaborative grantmaking across the region.

TerrAqua assessed the environmental, ecological, demographic, and institutional landscape of the northern Appalachian region to help guide future conservation investments by The Heinz Endowments. Drawing on existing research, we evaluated forest conditions, ecological health, environmental threats, resource use, and the relationship between Appalachian communities and forest ecosystems. We also identified the government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private-sector partners, and funding opportunities most important to regional forest conservation.

Based on this assessment, we identified:

• Priority technical information needed to improve regional collaboration;

• Key audiences for education and outreach, including government agencies, corporations, landowners, and nonprofit organizations;

• Opportunities to strengthen the capacity of organizations working in natural resource conservation and sustainable development; and

•  Strategies to support economic development while protecting the region's forest ecosystems.

Client: The Heinz Endowments