Why Act Now

The United States is losing two acres of mostly prime farmland every minute to development. Every year 2 million acres of farmland and half a million acres of forests are lost to urban sprawl. The loss is occurring on the edge of the outer suburbs. Williamson County, Tennessee lost 20% of its farmland in just a 5-year period between 2002 and 2007, according to DeWayne Perry, director of the Williamson County Agricultural Extension Office.

The animation to the left illustrates the pattern of growth in the Harpeth River Watershed from 1970-2000 and as projected into 2030. Growth was determined using housing density as an indicator of sprawl.

Who will feed our nation when the prime farmland is paved over?

How do we maintain food security on a national scale?

How do we maintain an abundance of locally-grown fresh food that adds to our quality of life?

The pace of land conversion is affecting local water supplies, water quality, and critical wildlife habitat. It is also changing the character of Tennessee, affecting local quality of life and reducing the rural character and scenic landscapes that draws people to the state in the first place.

Across the country a similar trend is evident. While the U.S. population grew by 17 percent from 1982 to 1997, the amount of land used for urban space increased by 47 percent. Our development footprint is large, as bigger homes are built on larger lots. Cities have expanded geographically and have exploded into the adjacent countryside at much greater growth rates than their population increases. The pressures to develop on farmland, forest land and wilderness areas will continue. Private landowners hold the key to the future. This web site is devoted to better informing landowners of the importance of land conservation to maintaining water quality, wildlife habitat, community character and quality of life. It showcases inspiring personal stories, and best management practices, while providing relevant information, resources and online technical assistance .