56 million

In this season of celebration, I'm extremely pleased to share with you some news we can all cheer.

The Land Trust Alliance today released a comprehensive report showing land trusts across the nation have conserved a staggering 56 million acres, an area of protected land that is double the size of all the land in national parks across the lower 48 states. State, local and national land trusts are now voluntarily conserving an average of 5,000 acres per day — or 1.8 million acres per year.

All this and more is reflected in the 2015 National Land Trust Census Report, which is available here. Interactive features in this year's report allow anyone to hover over the map to get a summary snapshot of land conservation data points for that area. Each state's portal also includes fun facts, an image gallery and a breakdown of the state's unique land conservation priorities.

The 56 million acres represent an increase of 9 million acres since 2010, when the Alliance last released its National Land Trust Census Report. Other key findings from the newest Census include:

• Protecting and preserving important natural areas and wildlife habitats, maintaining water quality and preserving working farms or ranchlands identified at the top three conservation priorities across all land trusts;
• Land trust properties saw 6.2 million visitors in 2015;
• Nearly $2.2 billion in endowments and funding are now managed by land trusts; and
• More than 4.6 million people are active financial supporters of land trusts.

But such numbers represent just a fraction of the Census story. More land trusts are focusing intensely on local community benefits as they further their missions. I encourage you to peruse a sampling of their accomplishments within the 24-page Census.

If you heard me speak at Rally 2016, you know I strongly believe in this community and I believe in the Land Trust Alliance. We truly are in a position to address many of the biggest challenges our society faces — and we have the passion and the power when we come together to make that happen.

I can't wait to see all we accomplish in advance of our next Census in 2020.

Andrew Bowman is president of the Land Trust Alliance.