New Director for Nature Conservancy

Andrea Erickson is the new State Director of The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming

Lander, WY—February 15, 2005—The wide open spaces of the American west compelled Andrea Erickson to migrate north to become the new State Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Wyoming Chapter. A native of rural upstate New York farm country, Ms. Erickson worked in Latin America for more than a decade to improve both the economy and ecology of local agricultural communities.

One project assisted local ranchers in improving the quality of cattle herds on the Galapagos Islands through the provision of an AI program utilizing high-performance bulls from the mainland. "By working with ranchers to improve herd productivity, we were able to collaboratively address pasture management. Addressing economic needs is a critical component of agricultural partnerships for conservation."

Based in Mérida, Yucatan, for the past six years, Ms. Erickson developed public and private partnerships with Mexican institutions contributing to the protection and management of over four million acres of land and water. She was instrumental in the conservation of the Calakmul Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the most biologically diverse and archeologically significant sites in North America.

Work on the project began more than a decade ago, when The Nature Conservancy and Mexican conservation organizations collaborated in efforts to help farmers develop farming methods that would enhance soils and productivity. In 2002, the Mexican government asked the partners to help purchase and protect nearly 600,000 acres of communally owned, uninhabited lands in and around the rain forest.

With funds raised by The Nature Conservancy, many acres unsuited to agriculture were purchased from farmers eager to re-invest cash generated by the transaction in their family farms. "It was win-win for everyone," said Ms. Erickson, "The farmers received payment for unutilized properties many miles from their homes and too difficult to farm and now Calakmul’s natural and archaeological treasures will be preserved for future generations to enjoy."

What new projects are in store for The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming? The organization endorses the proposed Wildlife Trust Fund and, under Ms. Erickson’s direction, will seek additional opportunities for public-private partnership in order to protect wildlife and support stewardship of important natural areas.

"Public-private partnerships are powerful tools in achieving significant results," she continued. "Together, we can truly make a difference in the quality of life we leave to future generations. Private lands encompass some of the most important wildlife habitat we have here in Wyoming and I look forward to helping support ranchers as they continue to steward this land."