Conservation Networks

Getting Started

Definition
Purpose
Organizing
Examples & Links
Terms

Network Design

Vision and Goals
Network Scale
Integration
Design Principles
Application
Land Ratings
Design Checklist
Tips & Advice
Tools & Resources

Implementation

Acquisition
Incentives
Stewardship
Outreach
Funding
Maintenance

Incentives programs may be used to encourage private landowners to adopt improved land management practices to conserve biodiversity. Types of incentives include tax relief, direct payments, educational and technical assistance, regulatory relief, market-based strategies, and recognition programs. Many states, for example, provide preferential tax treatment for lands subject to a conservation easement.

Incentives may be more politically acceptable than acquisition and regulation in some cases. Their use may improve relationships among all parties involved, including landowners and conservation officials, and may enhance the environmental awareness of landowners and other citizens.

Flexible Incentives

Many landowner incentive programs already exist that can be used to help reach conservation goals. However, they tend to be narrowly focused, complicated, and intimidating to landowners. The incentives are also often available to anyone who applies, which makes it difficult to target funds to specific areas within the proposed conservation network. One possibility is to create a "flexible incentives fund". In this program, private landowners within the proposed conservation network could apply for assistance by explaining how their management activities would advance the goals of the program. Those proposing the most cost-effective activities would be funded. The funds could be tied to formal stewardship agreements or management plans, finance one-time projects or on-going management activities, or compensate for forgone revenue.

For more information about incentives, please visit
Incentives for Conservation or
Environmental Defense's Center for Conservation Incentives .

Stewardship

For lands in the conservation network, good stewardship will be necessary to conserve biodiversity values for the long term. These practices may include managing invasive species and water, controlling human activities, and reintroducing natural disturbances, such as prescribed burns. The type and intensity of management will depend on landowner objectives, habitat condition, and other factors.

Not all lands in a conservation network will be managed as native habitat. The semi-natural matrix (multiple-use public and private lands) includes lands managed for agriculture, forestry, and recreation. Opportunities to enhance biodiversity values in these areas often exist. Some groups, such as the Forest Stewardship Council and The Food Alliance , certify products that were produced following strict standards in sustainability and land stewardship.

Restoring areas to re-establish native habitat is an important strategy for some lands within a conservation network. These areas may be restored to provide critical ecological functions for the broader landscape. Removing invasive species, restoring wetlands, planting native species, and the follow-up active management can be difficult and labor intensive. Government agencies, such as fish and wildlife agencies and parks and recreation departments, and conservation groups often organize restoration project events to take advantage of volunteer help, which are great opportunities to involve and educate the public.

Citizen Involvement in Resource Management
Opportunities can be created for citizens to be directly involved in resource monitoring, management and restoration. Many programs exist that provide volunteer recruitment, training, oversight and rewards. Schools and conservation organizations often initiate these efforts, but may need financial support to ensure that they continue and produce tangible public benefits.

Regulation

Existing or new regulations can protect some habitats. For example, federal and state endangered species acts, U.S. Clean Water Act, state wetland protection laws, and land use and zoning laws are sometimes applied. Although regulatory mechanisms are an effective tool, they are not typically used to conserve upland areas, are threatening to landowners, and are not effective for encouraging positive actions.

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