Conservation requires on-the-ground action throughout Ohio in order to protect and restore valuable ecosystems. But we can't accomplish our work without active public partners. Lasting results depend on coordinated and targeted action to change state, federal and international policies. The Conservancy's Denise Franz King, director of government and external relations in Ohio, answers questions about how policy work influences conservation in Ohio and around the world.   

nature.org: What’s your role at The Nature Conservancy?

Denise Franz King: As the director of government and external relations for the Conservancy in Ohio, I advocate the Conservancy's public policy priorities to our elected officials at the state and federal level.

nature.org: On what do you focus most of your work? 

Denise Franz King: Our current policy priorities include federal legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, state legislation to implement the Great Lakes Compact and the Clean Ohio Fund, and a long-term effort to identify and adopt a stable funding source for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources land management agencies and the Natural Heritage Database.

nature.org: What are the most important projects on which you're working? 

Denise Franz King: Our top priority for 2009 is the adoption of a federal industry-wide cap and trade climate change bill that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by 80% by 2050.  Within the bill, the Conservancy is seeking to direct a portion of the proceeds from the sale of carbon credits to help wildlife adapt to climate changes and to preserve and replant forests, particularly in the tropics where they are very effective in absorbing carbon dioxide. 

We recently wrapped up a year-long effort to continue the Clean Ohio Fund, and are very grateful that the voters approved the measure by a margin of 69% - 30% on November 4th, 2008.  Clean Ohio is a $400 million bond issue that will use existing state revenues to fund the restoration of abandoned industrial sites, turning them into homes and businesses, and provide $200 million for passive parks and natural areas, trail development and farmland preservation.  We were privileged to have the support of our board of trustees, the Governor and the General Assembly, endorsements from more than 200 local governments and organizations, and a terrific team of consultants and organizations including the Farm Bureau, the Brownfield Association, and the Ohio League of Conservation Voters.  This team effort will preserve the Ohio we cherish and provide thousands of jobs.         

nature.org: In what other ways can the Conservancy influence conservation policies?  

Denise Franz King: Directing public funding toward our priorities is another part of our mission.  Last year we brought in $5 million to complete funding for the transfer of 4,000 acres to the Wayne National Forest for public use and wildlife habitat, to fund restoration projects in the Oak Openings Region of northwest Ohio and the Darby Headwaters in central Ohio, and to acquire land through the Clean Ohio program. 

We also work with colleagues across the country to support appropriations to help control invasive species, fund national parks, forests and wildlife areas, and to carry out Debt-for-Nature Swaps in tropical forest areas, including Belize.
 
The Conservancy also participates in the rule-making process by commenting on proposed rules and providing a scientific basis for decision-making.  We point out how the rules will improve or damage stream habitats, for example, and provide data to back up our positions. How rules are written and enforced can be a major benefit to, or obstacle in, reaching our conservation goals.         

View other Faces of Conservation.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Richard Baumer (Grand River); Photo © TNC (Appalachian Forest Walkers); Photo © TNC (Denise Franz King).