The Land Trust Program, one of PLJV’s core grassland conservation strategies, focuses on preserving large intact blocks of grassland habitat and keeping lands in wildlife-friendly agricultural production through voluntary conservation easements. This flexible and adaptable program supports land trusts by providing resources, capacity, and technical assistance to help deliver habitat conservation that achieves regional impact and supports landowners’ long-term goals.

Our granting focus is to build capacity for organizations working to preserve undisturbed grassland habitat and working lands.

This program is helping agricultural land trusts expand their reach and impact. Currently, five land trusts operating in all six PLJV states are active under this program: Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Nebraska Land Trust, New Mexico Land Conservancy, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, and Texas Agricultural Land Trust (working in both Texas and Oklahoma). Since the program launched in 2019, more than 70,000 acres have been protected by participating land trusts as part of their ongoing activities.

The PLJV Land Trust Program is made possible through a variety of funds, including annual contributions by ConocoPhillips as well as through annual base operations funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2022, the land trusts participating in the PLJV program were awarded a $4 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s America the Beautiful Challenge program to conserve more than 250,000 acres of grasslands across the PLJV region. This project is now poised to attract further resources for conservation.

Why Conservation Easements

While easements are intended to benefit people, wildlife, and the environment, we understand landowners may have questions and concerns. PLJV advocates for and actively promotes conservation easements because they are a voluntary tool that safeguards both wildlife habitat and working lands – for the benefit of current and future generations who are stewards of the land.

Voluntary Participation

Conservation easements are entirely voluntary. No landowner is compelled to participate. It’s a choice, allowing each landowner the freedom to decide if and how they want to contribute to broader habitat conservation goals.

Preserving Heritage, Leaving a Legacy

Conservation easements empower landowners to be stewards by preserving the natural heritage of their properties and places where they live. This ensures that the unique ecological characteristics and beauty of their lands are protected for future generations. Easements contribute to the greater good, leaving a positive impact for future generations. They are also a way for landowners to be recognized and remembered as responsible stewards of the land.

Financial Incentives

Participating in conservation easements often provides financial incentives, including tax benefits. These incentives recognize and reward landowner commitment to sustainable land management, while contributing to the economic well-being of their property. Some worry that these individual tax breaks can affect county tax revenue. Studies conducted outside of our region have shown that these impacts are relatively small or compensated for by other economic impacts tied to land conservation.

Operational Flexibility

Conservation easements are not one-size-fits-all; they can be tailored to accommodate specific needs and circumstances. Landowners retain ownership and the right to continue land uses like agriculture or recreational activities, ensuring their day-to-day operations are minimally affected.

Lasting Habitat Benefits

Conservation easements offer a lasting solution to preserve grassland habitats. By voluntarily choosing to place an easement on their property, landowners can ensure that their land remains in grass, creating a legacy of environmental stewardship.