| Conducting a Conservation or Stewardship Project
Before finalizing a conservation or stewardship plan, consider the following:
1. Determine your land conservation goals:
Discuss your land conservation goals with family, heirs, and other appropriate people such as neighbors and financial advisors. Think long-term, beyond your ownership, and perhaps your children's ownership.
Define what it is about the land that you wish to conserve. Examples may include but are not limited to a unique natural feature, a farming or forestry tradition, or a place to live for current and future family members.
Start to write out your goals and ideas, with the eventual objective of drafting a conservation or stewardship plan. At this point a general project concept usually is sufficient.
2. Decide type of project to undertake.
Consider what tools and programs can help you achieve your land conservation goals. Government agencies, conservation districts, land trusts, and other public and private organizations can provide you with guidance on appropriate conservation and stewardship options.
Technical assistance for evaluating your resources and generating management alternatives is also available from many sources, including extension agents, county and state foresters and wildlife managers, and private consultants.
3. Working with conservation and stewardship partners:
Landowners should obtain current, detailed information from the agencies and organizations managing individual programs before committing to a project. Find out about sign-up periods, application requirements, and payment schedules.
Be prepared with goals, ideas, or perhaps a draft management plan to use for discussion with your chosen conservation partners. Include a description of the project area (legal description may be required.) Have a land manager from the organization visit your property (some may not be able to do this until after you have applied for a program.) This person will examine the property, review the proposed project, and discuss your personal goals and budget restrictions with you.
The managing organization may direct you to another program if the one you request is not appropriate. Make sure the program fits your budget and management plans before you commit. If a program matches your land management goals, complete the application process. If relevant (e.g. for cost share projects), be sure to receive project approval before beginning project, submit necessary records about project, have the project reviewed by organization, and file for reimbursement costs in accordance with program guidelines.
Photo information: Salmon Creek, Jefferson County, by Jefferson Land Trust.
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