If all environmental groups were like the Nature Conservancy, Utah's rural residents and political conservatives would have an entirely different attitude toward environmentalists.

A bold statement? Consider how the conservancy, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its founding, works. Where other groups try to bully through lawsuits, political rhetoric or demonstrations, the Nature Conservancy works to find logical solutions that recognize market realities and the needs of local residents. Where others create enemies and cause people to dig in heels, the conservancy gets people to work together.

When all the political bluster is brushed aside, we believe most Utahns love nature and understand the need to protect it. At the least, they agree that it should not be abused or desecrated. And yet, it's not unusual to find a Utahn who can, on the one hand, teach a group of Boy Scouts the importance of no-trace camping, while on the other hand speaking ill of "tree hugging" environmentalists. And he can make perfect sense while doing so.

Somewhere along the line, a gulf has emerged between mainstream Utah conservatives and environmentalism. But the Nature Conservancy is more about bridges than gulfs. Their's is definitely the hard way, but it is the only way with any lasting meaning.

The conservancy works to raise money so that it can purchase sensitive lands at market prices. The Dugout Ranch in San Juan County is a prime example. In cooperation with its owners and a slew of donors, the conservancy arranged a deal that will keep it a working ranch and protect it from developers. In another deal, the conservancy expanded the Layton Wetlands Preserve to protect sensitive land used by millions of migratory birds.

Because of the conservancy's growing reputation, it can work in tandem with county and state planners to push projects that local governments want but can't afford. And in the end, the solutions leave everyone smiling.

In 20 years, the Nature Conservancy has protected 880,000 acres of private and public land and completed 140 projects. We wish it many more years of continued success.