Working lands and resource extraction industries are critical components of a self reliant and diverse economy, making a region less vulnerable to market crises. Local food and fuel production is preferred since the transportation to import these products consumes tremendous amounts of energy and generates pollution. In addition, when food is imported from far-away places, nutrient value is reduced during the transport time.

 Working lands and resource extraction industries are economically viable within the constraints of our natural landscape. Sustainably managed farmland and forest land means less developed land, fewer impervious surfaces, and thus a greater presence of the natural ecosystem’s features and functions. Conversely, high quality food and productive forests are dependent upon clean water and clean, nutrient-rich soils. It is imperative that we maintain high quality water and soils for healthy and viable food and forest product industries.