The Common Agenda

Landowner Conservation Incentives

It's natural for landowners to think about the future of their land. Many want to keep their property in use as a part of the local agricultural economy, and to protect it from housing or other development. And it's not only rural landowners who have these concerns: Nebraskans in towns and cities all across the state value agriculture's contribution to the state's economy and the open vistas of our great outdoors.

Some landowners find a solution in conservation easements. Just as some landowners sell mineral rights, the right to build or develop on a property can also be set aside under contract. The owner voluntarily sells or donates the development rights to an organization that will ensure the land is used according to the agreement.

In Nebraska, these agreements benefit the community with cleaner water, flood protection, soil conservation, scenic areas that promote tourism and outdoor recreation, preventing federal regulation to protect species by voluntarily providing habitat for wildlife, and creating opportunities for voluntary watershed management in water short areas. This tool can be especially useful in water short areas, such as the Platte and Republican basins.

We support the creation of incentives for landowners who voluntarily donate conservation easements to protect important natural resources in key areas of the state, particularly where water supply is a concern.