This publication explores current decisionmaking by local government officials regarding ecosystem conservation and presents case studies of municipal conservation planning. The case studies serve as examples and models for practitioners, volunteers, and local governments in the Hudson Valley, and shed light on both successes and challenges of conservation planning in New York State. Municipal officials and volunteers share their perceptions of ecosystem conservation, local conservation priorities and strategies, and experiences with local land-use decision-making while reflecting on the outreach and technical assistance provided to Hudson Valley communities by the Estuary Program.