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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

Absolutely. As a landowner, you retain the title to the land. You are still able to sell or will your property.

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.

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.