New Texas A&M Study. Benefits of Conservation Easements.

Study authors:  Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas Land Trust Council

What’s a conservation easement?

• a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a qualified non-governmental organization or government entity
• the landowner still owns the land
• the landowner remains in charge of its day-to-day management
• the landowner commits to minimize or avoid certain types of non-agricultural development on their property by selling or donating some property rights
• The land trust or public entity holding the easement monitors the property to ensure the terms are upheld in perpetuity.

How is value derived from these easements?

• $2.9 million in agricultural commodities.
• $7.3 million in water replacement costs.
• $170,400 in wildlife consumptive uses.
• A 27:1 return on investment.
• A 10:1 leveraging ratio.
• A $148 avg. per acre state investment.
• 86% of projects were leveraged to get funding support beyond landowner contribution.

Texas A&M Today | Report: Conservation Easements Yield Financial, Ecological Benefits