Dear Friends,

In these times of enormous economic uncertainty and political change, we hope that you continue to find stability, comfort and inspiration in the work of the Conservancy to protect the most important landscapes and species on our planet.

Despite the many challenges that we all faced over the past year, 2008 was an extraordinary year for conservation in New Mexico. As I think back over our accomplishments, a few important themes are very apparent.

First, continuity is a hallmark of our program; our conservation efforts continue unabated through political and economic change.

For example, we have worked on the Gila River continuously for more than 25 years, and this past year, we made huge strides by protecting an additional two miles of this magnificent river.

Next, we work on projects of enormous size and impact. In 2008, we expanded our long-term partnership with the Animas Foundation at the Diamond A Ranch and acquired three new conservation easements totaling 13,000 acres.

We and our partners have now protected more than 500,000 acres of land within the spectacular Malpai Borderlands region.

Finally, our commitment to developing the best science programs and products to help guide our strategies and actions continues to pay huge dividends.

This year, our science team released a ground-breaking assessment of the impacts of climate change in New Mexico.

We also completed a seminal report on the condition of 18 million acres of New Mexico’s rangelands, which could guide conservation and restoration of these lands for years to come.

In sum, our core approach of using the best science and working with others to permanently protect vast landscapes has stood the test of time. Through your ongoing support, we have established a permanent legacy of conservation which we will pass on to future generations of New Mexicans, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Sincerely,

Terry Sullivan

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Harold E. Malde (Gila Riparian Preserve); Photo © Patrick McCarthy/TNC (Terry Sullivan).