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CORVALLIS - Rural land managers reflect on their past and plan for the future in a new DVD produced by the Oregon State University Extension Service.

"Landmarks in Conservation" is designed to help rural landowners, farmers, ranchers and foresters devise sustainable natural-resource management plans for their operations. The interactive multimedia project utilizes both DVD and web technologies.

"This project draws on the experiences of nearly 30 land managers from across our state," said Bill Braunworth, agriculture program leader for the OSU Extension Service. "It demonstrates the importance of resource management planning, whether you operate a five-acre farm near Portland or a 100,000-acre ranch in southeast Oregon."

The DVD and its companion website are a cooperative effort funded by the OSU Extension Service, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and a private gift to the OSU Foundation. The DVD holds nearly two hours of video clips, while the website serves as a gateway to more than 120 print, video and online resources.

"We are excited about the scope and potential impacts of this project," said Sara Magenheimer, public affairs specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "It presents technical, research-based information in an understandable, user-friendly fashion."

The project's non-linear structure helps educators customize classroom, workshop or field instruction to meet the needs of specific audiences. It also empowers individuals to select the learning pace, media formats and content that work best for their own situation.

"The insights and stories of these Oregon land managers are really what bring this project to life," Braunworth said. "They help viewers understand that connection between healthy natural resources and a profitable, sustainable operation."

"Landmarks in Conservation" (DVD-1) is available from OSU Extension and Experiment Station Communications for $19.95 per copy plus $4 shipping and handling. Discounts are available when purchasing 10 or more copies. To order the DVD, visit http://extension.oregonstate.edu, call toll-free, 1-800-561-6719, or fax your request to 541-737-0817.