Increase in Conservation Easements

What is happening? Land Trust of Virginia has seen double the number of conservation easements this year. 40 million acres nationwide are protected by conservation easement, of which about 20 million acres are under the care of land trusts.

Why is this important? Increased federal support for conserving land from development in the “30×30” campaign which seeks to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030. This campaign relies heavily on private conservation actions by private land owners.

How will this be important? The interplay between changes in urban zoning from single residence focus to multifamily AND more open land being protected from development by conservation easements.

Route Fifty | Private Lands Are the Next Battleground in State Conservation Policy