Voluntary land conservation is a way for private landowners to exercise their right to determine the use of their land.  For many landowners, conservation is a means to leave a legacy for future generations.

For farmers and ranchers, land conservation can be an economic tool for keeping working lands intact and in production, and for passing land onto the next generation. Others simply want the security of knowing their property will always provide fish and wildlife habitat, open space and scenic beauty regardless of future ownership.

Conservation lands provide both tangible and intangible benefits:

• Scenic beauty;
• Protection and improvement of water quality and quantity;
• Preservation of cultural and historic sites;
• Protection of plant and animal communities and their habitats;
• Sustaining working landscapes; and,
• Positive economic returns for landowners.