Strategic Goals
Through an alliance of privately and publicly protected land, RPA works to conserve unbroken forests and other ecologically important areas in Rensselaer County. The overarching goal is to ensure that the Plateau's clean air, fresh water, unique wildlife habitat and recreational areas continue to benefit current and future generations.
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Photo: Nate Simms
Expand Education, Outreach
& Communication
RPA works to increase awareness of the Plateau's valuable benefits by expanding outreach and education to community members and local municipalities. Landowners will be provided with opportunities to gain knowledge of sustainable forest management practices. Educational events for children will teach them about unique and natural resources found on the Plateau. We will enhance and expand our comprehensive resources available for local municipalities.
Establish the Plateau as a
Recreational Destination
RPA has developed a Trail Vision Plan that seeks to establish the Plateau as a recreational destination with a regional trail network, connecting existing trails on the Plateau and other trails throughout Rensselaer County. Engaging the community, we will make the Plateau a more accessible resource for the public by developing new trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking, bird watching, and many other family activities.
Photo: Jessica Barthel
Establish Community Forests and Preserves
We establish community forests and preserves that will provide educational, recreational, environmental, and economic benefits to the local and greater Rensselaer Plateau community, such as: training programs for sustainable forest management, economic development opportunities through tourism & the local forest products industry, child and adult educational programs, and publicly accessible trails. These conserved lands will benefit the community by demonstrating best practices for stewardship and conservation.
Photo: Annie Jacobs
Increase Organizational Capacity
We recognize that, as we pursue new opportunities, we must invest in a strong infrastructure. Paid staffing, print materials, and an increased schedule of programs and outings all require funding. We will generate the necessary funds to support RPA staff and operations, and to purchase and establish community forests and preserves.
