Mechanisms
A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values, either natural or man-made.
Purchase of Development Rights
Voluntary farmland protection technique that compensates landowners for limiting future development on their land.
Ag Conservation
Easement Program
Agricultural Land Easement (typically provided to an area through RCPP (Regional Conservation Partnership Program) funding awards.
Easements
A voluntary, legal agreement that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values.
P.A.C.E.
Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement program (no funding currently)
Voluntary Conservation Agreement
Traditional conservation easement that is a legal agreement between a landowner and a non-profit land trust.
Farmland
Preservation Program
Voluntary enrollment into Farmland Preservation Agreements with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) program.
Organizations
These organizations serve an important role in protecting land through easements or the purchase of property from volunteer landowners.
DRIFTLESS AREA
LAND CONSERVANCY
Driftless Area Land Conservancy protects the natural habitats and farmland in the Wisconsin counties of Iowa, Sauk, Richland, Dane, and Lafayette in the southern Driftless Area.
GROUNDSWELL CONSERVANCY
Groundswell Conservancy protects special places forever in, and around Dane County, Wisconsin.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CONSERVANCY
Mississippi Valley Conservancy protects native habitats and farmlands in the Wisconsin counties of Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon.
THE PRAIRIE
ENTHUSIASTS
The Prairie Enthusiasts protect sites with native prairie and savanna habitat throughout the Driftless Area.
Get Outfitted
Get outfitted with resources to learn about and take action on farmland access, tenure, and transfer issues.
GATHERING WATERS
Gathering Waters is Wisconsin’s hub of information for landowners interested in protecting their land, and for land trusts across the state.
FARMLAND
INFORMATION CENTER
The FIC helps communities and states create new or improve existing policies and programs to reduce agricultural land conversion, permanently protect land, and support the business of agriculture.
LAND FOR GOOD
The Land for Good website has tool kits for farmers and landowners seeking ways to understand the financial aspects of protecting land through easement. Note: Though designed for Northern New England, its information generally applies to this region as well.