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This project will involve the restoration, protection, and overall conservation of over 6,000 acres of land considered to have significant ecological value.…
One of the more impactful and exciting large-scale opportunities, this will involve the land restoration of one of the most significant water quality concerns in the United States.…
This long term project will eventually influence several hundred acres with a goal of restoring miles of streams and rivers and the removal of invasive species.…
This 150+ acre conservation easement will represent the jewel of the Colorado mitigation portfolio and will restore and protect 50+ acres of wetlands, in addition to the 20,000 feet of restored river.…
We are in the beginning stages of a plan that will involve the restoration, enhancement, and protection of one of the most important and scenic rivers in North Carolina.…
As the growth and expansion of the Triangle region continues, so does the need for the removal of nutrients that flow into our river systems from wastewater.…
The easement includes a beautiful mountain valley that has been impacted by cattle for nearly a century.…
Over 9,000 linear feet of stream and a total easement area of 50+ acres will be protected and restored.…
Our project will include the protection of this ecosystem by restoring streams and wetlands, and placing a protective conservation easement on nearly 70 acres.…
This project includes the restoration and protection of a major tributary to the Tar River. It includes smaller tributaries that will both provide and improve habitat for the critically endangered Tar River Spinymussel.…
One of our most exciting, soon-to-come, projects will involve the restoration of over 13,000 linear feet of stream and 80+ acres of protected buffer in one of the fastest growing areas in the United States.…
Environmental partnerships that restore ecosystems
As you may have read elsewhere on our website, we are passionate about what we call the “triple win” scenario. These are partnerships between clients (whether landowners or developers), our team, and the environment where each thrives and prospers because of that partnership.
In the projects outlined below, we’re excited by the people we get to work with as well as the call we hear to restore and steward ecosystems. Whether we’re working to reinstate the habitat of the endangered Tar River Spinymussel, enjoying the chorus of birds, seeing trees and plants grow and stabilize stream banks, and measuring the return of a healthy ratio of nutrients in wetlands, we love what we do.
How do I qualify my land ?
Every step is a little different depending on the particular piece of land and its ecosystem. Either call us on (919) 321-6510, or, if you don’t feel like talking right now, let us know where your land is located:
FAQs – Unraveling common queries
1How do I know if my land qualifies?
There are some general characteristics, but please don't hesitate to reach out if you have a question, because the easiest way to determine eligibility is by a site visit.
We look for:
- Streams that have been changed in any way during the land's usage and need to be restored to their natural shape and function.
- Wet pastures or drained/crowned fields.
- Places where there was a wetland that was drained and where the vegetation around that wetland was removed.
- Property located near natural habitats, like state forests and wildlife refuges.
- Property that drains to a water supply watershed.
- Land that lies next to water-quality impaired streams, like impaired streams on a state’s Clean Water Act, Section 303 (d).
2How will this affect my day-to-day farm operations?
Strategic restorations often lead toward improved efficiency. For example, restoring a stream's natural curve can improve drought and flood resilience, which in turn affects crop yields.
3Can I still utilize every part of my land effectively after implementing a conservation easement?
We work with you to map out the section of land that needs to be restored while balancing that with your ongoing needs. Easements are usually along streams and around wetlands, and form a small percentage of the overall piece of land. Almost all of the projects we've worked on with landowners have addressed unusable tracts of land, which once restored, provided welcome passive income.
4Are there any usage restrictions on a conservation easement?
The purpose of a conservation easement is to protect the land. With this in mind, there are some restrictions. For example, no one is able to develop within that easement area, or disturb its natural state. If you farm with livestock, we’ll construct facilities to make sure your animals still have access to water. Don’t worry, we love your animals, too!
5What can I do on a conservation easement?
Once a piece of land is established as a conservation easement, it is essentially protected in perpetuity. You, and those after you, will be able to enjoy the land as long as there is no damage done to the natural integrity of the area. Outdoor recreational activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and other quiet enjoyment are encouraged. And, this does not mean that the easement is now available for public use; it remains your private land.
6Do I retain the title to the land?
Absolutely. As a landowner, you retain the title to the land. You are still able to sell or will your property.
7How much will I be paid?
Compensation is commonly paid on a per acre or lump sum basis, although we can spread payments out over time if that's more advantageous. The actual value is influenced by a bunch of things, like the size of the property and the easement, the natural resources, the quality of the habitat, the watershed within which it is located, the demand, and so on. Part of the compensation can also include property amenities and farm improvements like cattle exclusion watering, fencing, and stream crossings.
8How regulated is the mitigation banking industry?
Every physical site gets registered with the USACE. The regulatory bodies that oversee this whole industry are the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) primarily, as well as the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), US Fish and Wildlife, and other state-specific entities.