Land Acquisition & Holding

At Open Space STL, we serve as a catalyst in the land acquisition process, working closely with private landowners and public agencies to secure vital land and water resources for conservation. By acting as an intermediary in land transactions, we help ensure that ecologically significant land remains protected for future generations. A key strategy we employ in this effort is land banking—a process in which we temporarily acquire and hold land until public agencies are ready to assume full ownership and management responsibility.

Land Banking: Securing Land for Future Public Use

Land banking is a crucial conservation tool that enables public agencies to safeguard natural spaces even when immediate funding, permits, or development plans are not yet in place. As a land trust, Open Space STL plays a pivotal role in this process by facilitating land acquisition and ensuring its preservation during the transition period.

How Land Banking Works

1. Acquisition Method

  • Open Space STL utilizes its nonprofit status to purchase land from private owners.

  • Acquisition funds may come from grants, public funding, private donations, or fundraising efforts.

2. Holding Period

  • While holding the property, we actively manage it to maintain its ecological integrity and prevent degradation.

  • We may collaborate with public agencies to develop initial conservation or restoration plans during this period.

3. Transfer of Ownership

  • Once the public agency is prepared to take ownership, Open Space STL formally transfers the land title to them.

  • A legal agreement outlines the terms of the transfer, including future management responsibilities.

The Benefits of Land Banking for Public Agencies

By partnering with Open Space STL for land banking, public agencies gain:

  • Flexibility – Agencies can prioritize land acquisition without immediate budget constraints.

  • Secure Land Access – Prevents land from being sold to private developers while agencies plan for its use.

  • Conservation Value Preservation – Ensures that natural areas remain intact and are not degraded during the transition period.

Key Considerations for Land Banking

1. Legal Agreements

  • Clear contracts between Open Space STL and public agencies outline ownership terms, management responsibilities, and the transfer process.

2. Funding Sources

  • Open Space STL secures funding for land acquisition and interim management through grants, donations, and partnerships.

3. Community Engagement

  • Public agencies and Open Space STL collaborate to involve the community in planning the future use of acquired lands.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATION FOR LAND CONSERVATION

The protection of land and water resources requires strong partnerships between nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private landowners.  As conservationist Aldo Leopold once stated:


"Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land."


By working together, we can create lasting conservation solutions that benefit both nature and the communities that rely on it.

At Open Space STL, we are committed to leading these efforts, ensuring that land is safeguarded for public enjoyment and ecological sustainability.