When the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF) was formed in 2020, the intention was to create flexible grassland conservation programming that worked for Saskatchewan ranchers and landowners. The SSGF is the first to offer Term Conservation Easements, a unique and flexible approach to protecting grasslands in Canada. It gives the current landowner an opportunity to protect their land for a set length of time but also gives the subsequent landowner a chance to make decisions about future land use. Since rolling out the program, we’ve had numerous ranchers and landowners reach out to learn more and get assessments done to take the next step. Since it is such a new concept and program, the questions we mostly common field encompass restrictions, term lengths and how they actually work to protect native grasslands.
One of the largest misconceptions is that the landowner may lose control or access to their land if they sign a Term Conservation Easement but the aim of our programming is to keep ranchers on their land and continuing to manage it the way they have been for generations. We do not require specific management actions but we partner with the landowner to ensure grazing management is high priority for the long term viability of the ranching operation but still at an attainable level for the landowner.
Term Conservation Easements protect grasslands long term by having the landowner commit to keeping them intact and to avoid activities that degrade the natural landscape and this comes in the form of three simple restrictions.
The first restriction is no cultivation or breaking of the native grasslands. Generally speaking, our easements typically have little to no effect on current land use because much of the native grasslands that are left in the province are classified as unsuitable for crop production. This doesn’t mean that in the less productive soil zones they aren’t facing grassland fragmentation but with a Term Conservation Easement in place, it ensures the grasslands will stay intact and protected from cultivation. Once the native sod is removed, re-establishment is incredibly difficult due to the complexity of the soil characteristics, plant structures and biodiversity of grasslands. In most cases, it will take decades to create a plant community that somewhat resembles the native landscape but it may never truly be the same again.
The easements will also protects the wetland and riparian areas that are vital for the functionality of grasslands. The second restriction includes not draining wetlands but if infrastructure needs to be put into place to further protect the riparian areas from livestock pressure, we will support off site watering systems. In order for the grasslands to properly function, they need to be grazed appropriately and access to water is vital to being able to do that.
The third restriction is no development, which means no construction of additional buildings, roads or structure on the land under easement. This restriction also includes removal of surface materials such as gravel, soil or sand. It is important to note that replacement or updating existing ranching infrastructure such as corrals or fences is deemed acceptable under our easements because we need the ranching operation to remain functional for the grasslands to continue to be properly stewarded.
Landowners that place a Term Conservation Easement on their land will receive a payment for committing to keep their grasslands intact for the set term length. Payment is based off a percentage of fair market value of the land and the term length chosen. We will also take into account if the land is in an area that is at risk for urban expansion or development. The term lengths themselves can vary depending on the landowner’s operational needs but the minimum length is currently set at 25 years. The longer the term, the more financial incentive can be offered.
Term Conservation Easements are 100% voluntary and legally binding agreements between the SSGF and landowner(s). They are tied to the land title and if the land is sold before the length of the easement expires, the subsequent landowner still has to abide by the restrictions placed on the land. When the term length does expires, the landowner has the option to renegotiate and sign another or walk away and lift all associated restrictions and title encumbrances.
This program is an entirely unique approach since previous land easement programs are tied to the land title indefinitely. Leaving zero flexibility for the future but now Term Conservation Easements are changing the game. The SSGF has had exceptional interest in the program and it further solidified the need for flexibility and changes to previous conservation programming. Ranchers need programs that work for them both practically and economically.
The SSGF Term Conservation Easements fill the need that many ranchers were looking for when it comes to private sector conservation work with the true interest of ranchers and landowners at front line. These easements can represent partnerships where both the landowner and the SSGF recognize that the native grasslands represent a unique collection of diverse species well adapted to environmental stresses such as drought and grazing. Protection of native grasslands is vital before they continue to disappear from the landscape forever. If you are interested in our programs, contact us to learn more!