The following is a Counterpoint

By Jaci H. Ponzoni

Thank you for the reality check on North Carolina's progress in funding land preservation as promised in the One Million Acre Initiative ("Conversation goals won't be reached easily," Aug. 2). As you point out, the $8 million that the legislature budgeted for the Farmland Protection Trust Fund is welcome, and I commend Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, the governor and legislators such as Pricey Harrison and Kay Hagan for their leadership.

North Carolina and the Triad are fortunate that continuing collaboration among state agencies, land trusts and conservation groups ensures that state dollars stretch as far as possible.

Currently, several innovative partnerships with the Department of Transportation and Wildlife Resources Commission help efficiently channel state funds to protect lands vital to North Carolina's future.

Conservation groups are playing a pivotal role in stretching funds by competing for grants and negotiating the best deals for landowners and taxpayers. And, by matching private donations with state and federal funding, conservation groups help multiply the state's investment in land protection. The payoff is cleaner water, more local food and support for our state's largest industry.

Given the rapidly escalating cost of land, there are limits to what can be done without significant additional public investment.

I hope the legislature's recent action indicates that citizens can expect increased funding for land conservation in the immediate future. As a board member of the Piedmont Land Conservancy, I know from personal experience that the dollars will be well spent.

The writer lives in Greensboro.