Conservation easements are a primary public policy tool to encourage stewardship of public benefits from private lands. The landowner can receive compensation for entering into an easement agreement up to the amount of economic loss suffered due to the restriction, also known as opportunity cost. Conservation programs will be more attractive to landowners if they can capture a greater share of the public good generated through the easement rather...

The policy and institutional milieu surrounding private lands conservation using conservation easements in Colorado is complex and can involve local, state, and federal agencies, for profit and not-for-profit service providers and organizations, as well as landowners. Here, we focus on state level taxpayer supported programs, but our alternatives are informed by the variety of compensatory programs and mechanisms in Colorado and elsewhere.

All states in the Intermountain West assess farms and ranches at their agricultural use value. Some states extend some form of preferential use value assessment to land managed for its value for wildlife, natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, and open space -not just for commodity production. Property tax laws and assessment practices in other states create obstacles for landowners who want to manage their private land for natural resource...

The Conservation Stewardship Program functions by encouraging stewardship on agricultural lands, cropland, grassland, pastureland, rangeland and non-industrial private forest land by providing financial assistance to producers who meet program requirements.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is designed to help agricultural producers and non-industrial forestland owners meet environmental standards set by the Federal, State, Tribal and local governments by providing financial and technical assistance on select projects. Financial assistance is available for conservation practices that address natural resource issues including the improvement of soil, water, plant, animal, or air resources.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program whereby the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides technical and financial assistance to active farmers and ranchers to address natural resource concerns such as soil conservation, water quality and quantity, nutrient management, and fish and wildlife habitat. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working with these landowners to maximize the environmental benefits...