The National Defense Authorization Bill contained an extremely controversial measure, "the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act," that gives a subsidiary of the Australian-English mining firm Rio Tinto 2,400 acres of the Tonto National Forest in exchange for several other parcels so it can mine a massive copper deposit. The copper is located on lands sacred to many Indigenous peoples, including several Western Apache tribes.    

An upcoming conference at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Cultural Landscapes and Heritage Values: Embracing Change in the Management of Place, will emphasize the need to acknowledge and engage change in the successful interpretation, conservation, and management of landscapes; the often unproductive dichotomy of "natural" and "cultural" resources; the factors of social and economic inequality inherent in the designation and management of living landscapes; and other critical issues in heritage studies today. Plenary speakers include Graham Fairclough, Newcastle University and Jane Lennon Deakin University. Abstracts are due January 15, 2015. The Conference is May 13-15, 2015. 

National Geographic recently highlighted the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and the impact it is having across four states in the southeastern United States.  

The Living Landscape Observer is a website, blog and monthly e-newsletter that offers commentary and information on the emerging field of large landscape conservation. This approach emphasizes the preservation of a "sense of place" and blends ingredients of land conservation, heritage preservation, and sustainable community development. Learn more about how you can get involved or sign up for the newsletter here.