how to reach small rural populations w an intervention

Hi Kelley
Something that we have in Australia is Land for Wildlife. In some states, this is run by not-for-profits (http://www.qmdc.org.au/biodiversity-pests/land-for-wildlife.html) and in others, it's a government initiative (http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/community-programs/land-for-wildlife, http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/off-reserve-conservation/land-for-wildlife). In all cases, it's a non-binding "membership" whereby the land owners agree to manage for biodiversity values (including protecting vegetation) and they become part of a community that receives a sign for their front gate, regular newsletters and (depending on the organisation in their areas) events etc. They also get an assessment of what's on their properties and free advice on possible management actions. Again, depending on their local organisation, there can be a "next step" where the organisation can help fund part of projects to fence off sensitive areas etc.

My organisation finds it works well as there are many people - farmers, graziers, those on lifestyle acreage - who do want to protect vegetation, they just don't want something binding that might impact on sales price. However, speaking for QMDC, if we put money toward, for example, a fencing project, that comes with maintenance requirements.
Good luck.

Lisa Yorkston lisay@qmdc.org.au
Queensland Murray-Darling Committee
Australia www.qmdc.org.au