MeCC V Supplemental - Conservation Easements - 3.2
Project Outcome and Results
This 2010 grant was supplemental to the fifth phase (2009) of the Metro Conservation Corridors project. This grant provided acquisition capital needed to complete urgent projects that otherwise we would not have been able to complete. Two perpetual conservation easements were completed that collectively protect 374 acres of land and more than 700 feet of shoreline. One easement was purchased at a bargain price, and one easement was donated. The Land Trust also purchased two additional easements that used both 2009 and 2010 ENRTF funding. Because we reported those projects accomplishments as part of our 2009 report, we described them but did not count acreage in the 2010 reports to avoid double-counting. All projects represent unique opportunities to protect high quality natural habitat, riparian areas, and to build upon prior land protection work by the Land Trust at several priority sites.
Additionally, the Land Trust prepared baseline property reports for each easement, detailing the condition of the property for future monitoring and enforcement. To fund this required perpetual obligation, the Land Trust dedicated ENRTF and other funds to its segregated Stewardship and Enforcement Fund for all completed projects. We estimated the anticipated annual expenses of each project and the investment needed to generate annual income sufficient to cover these expenses in perpetuity - all in accordance with our internal policies and procedures as approved by LCCMR. We will report to LCCMR annually on the status of the Stewardship and Enforcement Fund and the easements acquired with funds from this grant.
The total value for the two easements acquired is $1,242,000. The donated value is $1,162,000. Therefore, we were able to leverage significant private donation with the State's investment in these projects.
Cumulatively, across all phases of the Metro Corridors program, the Land Trust has protected 3,672 acres of critical habitat and more than 76,000 feet of shoreline, at a cost to the State of $580 per acre.
The Land Trust's work on this project continues to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of working with conservation easements to protect natural and scenic resources within developed and developing areas, as the cost to the State was well below the cost to purchase land in the Twin Cities region. This grant continued to generate interest among landowners, and therefore, ongoing funding will be important to sustained success. Additionally, we believe that funds to purchase easements - even a small amount - will be necessary in the future as work becomes more targeted, selective, and focused on building complexes of protected land.
PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION
The Land Trust disseminated information about the specific land protection projects completed under this grant though our newsletter, email updates, web site, and press releases. The Land Trust also shared information about conservation easements generally and our experience with our partner organizations, other easement holders, local communities, as well as policy makers including members of the LCCMR and LSOHC.
$1,750,000 is added to Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (f), from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $1,750,000 is for agreements as follows: $890,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $485,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $325,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $50,000 with Friends of the Minnesota Valley for planning, restoring, and protecting important natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through grants, contracted services, technical assistance, conservation easements, and fee title acquisition. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work program. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work program. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. Any land acquired in fee title by the commissioner of natural resources with money from this appropriation must be designated as an outdoor recreation unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.07. The commissioner may similarly designate any lands acquired in less than fee title. A list of proposed restorations and fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement.
Click on "Final Report" under "Project Details".
Click on "Final Report" under "Project Details".