Agricultural Conservation Easement Programs

PROTECTING FARMLANDS AND WETLANDS FOR GENERATIONS

At Open Space STL, we are committed to working hand in hand with agricultural partners to protect, restore, and enhance farmland and wetlands through Agricultural Conservation Easements. These voluntary agreements are a powerful way to ensure that working farms, ranches, and ecologically significant wetlands are preserved for future generations.

What is an Agricultural Conservation Easement?

An agricultural conservation easement is a legal agreement that helps keep land dedicated to farming and conservation. By limiting non-agricultural uses, these easements protect the agricultural viability and natural resources of the land. Together with landowners, land trusts, and other conservation partners, we can safeguard vital resources, support sustainable farming practices, and promote healthier ecosystems.

Our Approach to Agricultural Conservation Easements

We collaborate on two primary types of agricultural conservation easements, each designed to address specific conservation goals:

1. Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)

Agricultural Land Easements are designed to keep working farms, ranches, and grasslands productive and thriving. Through these easements, we partner with private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and government entities to protect agricultural lands from non-agricultural development. The benefits include:

  • Supporting agricultural productivity and sustaining rural economies.

  • Preserving open spaces and beautiful landscapes.

  • Promoting soil and water conservation efforts.

2. Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)

Wetland Reserve Easements help restore and protect wetlands that may have been degraded by agricultural use. By working closely with private and tribal landowners, we can improve water quality, provide habitats for wildlife, and build natural resilience against flooding and erosion. Key benefits of WRE include:

  • Enhancing water quality by filtering pollutants.

  • Creating critical habitats for diverse wildlife and migratory birds.

  • Mitigating flood risks and preventing erosion.

Partner with Us

If you’re a landowner, land trust, or conservation-minded organization, we invite you to explore how agricultural conservation easements can benefit your land and community. By choosing to protect your land, you play a vital role in preserving our region's agricultural heritage and natural resources.

Contact us at info@openspacestl.org to learn more about the application process and how we can work together to ensure these lands remain protected for generations to come.