The first meeting of the 2009 version of the Land Stewardship Taskforce (chaired by Rep. Robin Webb and Sen. Brandon Smith) got under way with presentations from the State’s main agencies involved in land preservation. The status of the State’s efforts to protect sensitive habitat and recreational areas is pretty much unchanged. The lack of an adequate funding structure for these programs is still hampering their ability to do much more than scratch the surface of what needs to be done, and with the economy in the shape it’s in, relief is not imminent. The Taskforce will hear a detailed presentation by Lynn Garrison of the essential elements of good Land Stewardship legislation including the best aspect of several other States’ programs at the next meeting, scheduled for 10:00 ,Thursday August 13Th. The goal of the Taskforce is to construct a comprehensive, state-wide land appraisal and acquisition bill for the 2010 Legislative session, which will include strategies for long-term funding. Any interested parties are welcome to attend in room 131 of the Capital annex in Frankfort.