One Mind, One Purpose by Andrew Cassano

Ahhh...the sweet shelter from political polarity surrounding land use. This is my underlying feeling after my first few months as a Nevada County Land Trust volunteer and board member. I've always loved land, especially Nevada County land. In my profession as a land use planner and professional land surveyor, I've had a chance to work all over the County for 27 years. But my profession is also continually mediating the highly polarized development debate: where is the correct balance between individual property rights and mitigating legitimate community growth concerns?

In the Land Trust, that all goes away. Nevada Countyans from all walks of life, political persuasions, economic positions, and backgrounds (even Democrats and Republicans!) working for the common cause of setting aside a few parts of Nevada County in perpetuity. Perpetuity: that's a long, long time. A word that I hope my great, great, great grandchildren will understand even better than I do.

Yes, many of our members are politically active in other organizations and arenas, but when they come to the Land Trust, they leave all of that baggage at the door. We become one mind, one purpose: working together in a positive, non-political direction to acquire and manage open space, trails, and parks. There is no debate. We know why we're here.

These first few months have taught me that we need to work more on getting the word out explaining our neutrality. As I tell my friends that I'm volunteering time for the Land Trust, some look concerned. "I guess you're out to get me," said my logger friend and developer friend. "No," I said. "You're mistaken." Then I gave them a newsletter and asked them to throw in with us. "We could use your CAT to build a trail somewhere," I said. "We might be able to help you with cost effective open space management in your next land development, and maybe get you a tax break to boot," I said. Now, they're giving our organization a closer look.

Imagine the concept, ladies and gentlemen. All Nevada Countyans agreeing on one thing when it comes to all land use: Let's set aside open space, trails, and parks wherever we can, working in a non-political way with only willing donors. All of this without any new taxes, fees, condemnation, or land use restrictions. I agree with our Executive Director when she suggests that everyone in Nevada County should be a member. Won't you please spread the word and then get even more active with this important, non-controversial community mission? We need your time, donations, endowments, bequests, and, of course, any land that you'd like to preserve forever.

Andy Cassano is a Nevada County Land Trust Board Member and professional land use planner/surveyor.

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