Term Conservation Easements: Ranching for the Future
Term Conservation Easements: Ranching for the Future
Conservation easements tend to be hot topics around the kitchen table between ranching neighbors. There seems to be a hesitation around them due to a few misconceptions brought up over the years. We are shining a new light on conservation easements with the introduction of term easements instead of perpetual easements, to help protect and conserve the working grasslands that support our ranches.
Our conservation easements are put into place in order to protect our native grasslands. Even if you never plan on cultivating your native grasses you don’t know what the next 25 years holds. Everyone involved in the ranching industry understands how volatile the markets are, from cattle prices forever fluctuating, to the effect the drought has had on feed supplies in the last two years. We are susceptible to ever changing factors. The SSGF has introduced term conservation agreements that can range from 20-30 years or longer if the rancher wishes. This enables ranchers to ensure that their native prairie will remain the way nature intended for this time period without putting restrictions on the next generations.
Native grasslands are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world and we are wanting to work with the ranchers to protect these landscapes. Despite the last few years of drought, we’ve witnessed cows not only sustain themselves but raise healthy calves on what seems to be non-existent grass. The native grasses may be small but they are mighty! Every rancher I’ve had the opportunity to work with is proud to show off their land and cattle herd. We want to give these ranchers tools to improve native prairie management and monitoring practices. With the majority of native grassland in Saskatchewan being privately managed by ranchers, we want to build on their knowledge to continue to look after the native landscape.
We don’t want cattle to disappear from the native grasslands in Saskatchewan, in fact, we need cattle to help maintain them. Without having a large grazing animal present, the diversity of the grasslands will decline. Lack of grazing allows plant species to take over in some areas and ultimately make it inhabitable for some species at risk such as Burrowing Owls, who need areas of shorter grass for their burrows. In Fact, recent research shows that the Thick Billed Longspur, a listed grassland species at risk, will leave grasslands that have not been recently grazed. While over grazing these grasses can also cause habitat changes for species who need taller grasses to hide and nest. By working with ranchers, we can help create a multi-species management plan that can be easily implemented and sustained.
As for restrictions, all easements will come with basic restrictions of no break, no drain and no development. Let’s dive into each one to further clarify.
No break– The purpose of these easements is to keep native grasslands intact and breaking or cultivating these lands directly conflicts with that idea. Cultivation causes fragmentation of the native grasslands and furthermore, fragmentation of habitat for species at risk. Once these lands are broken, they take years to return to a functional state and regain their biodiversity.
No drain– While we associate drainage with areas of high wetland density in Saskatchewan it is important to note that native grass species are known to have incredible root systems; these root systems help to filter and store water during periods of drought. By altering any natural drainage system, a ripple effect will appear by increased soil erosion and completely altering plant species, insects, birds and wildlife populations that depended on the natural waterway.
No development– When development takes place on native prairie, it disrupts and degrades native plant species. Now, if you plan on eventually replacing corrals or a water system that already existed prior to the easement, that can be discussed and possibly included within the easement. New developments such as building a road, new yard site or removing materials like sand or gravel are not allowed as they will negatively affect the biodiversity of grasslands, decreasing connectivity of wildlife habitat and affect wildlife corridors. When habitat is gone, so are the species that call it home. Development such as yard sites can disrupt wildlife during important times such as Greater Sage Grouse lekking. The endangered Greater Sage Grouse needs to communicate both in body language and by mating calls, making a quiet environment critical for their breeding needs.
Ranching is a unique mix of a lifestyle and a business. We love our way of life but if we can’t make ends meet, it doesn’t make sense to continue. Putting a value on conservation easements is never easy. Typically, ‘before and after’ approaches are made to determine the economic value of them. This is the difference between the value of land with and without the restrictions. Historically perpetual easements have been 25% to 33% of the fair market value of the land. All values are determined by accredited appraisers. Since term conservation easements are relatively new, the amount to be paid is under investigation. We are pushing to ensure ranchers and landowners are being properly compensated for their land and are being valued for the environmental benefits for keeping native grasslands intact.
Factors such as weather, cattle markets and input prices are already out of the rancher’s control. Land is actually one of the few thing’s ranchers are able to control which is why it is a major reason why they are so reluctant to consider conservation easements. Land is an important commodity and cannot afford to be lost plus, the upward trend of land prices makes it nearly impossible to buy new parcels or buy back previously sold land. Ranchers will still be able to occupy, use and enjoy their land to the fullest extent when they sign a conservation easement. Now, changes may need to be made regarding grazing management and stocking rates but we still want ranchers to remain in control and utilize their land.
When you sign a conservation easement, it doesn’t mean that the land is free game for the public. Provision of access to the land is still under the control of the landowner…the rancher. We do need to make sure we are meeting desired environmental results. So, under each conservation easement, we are required to monitor the land at least once a year to ensure grassland health and project outcomes. This of course is all done at the convenience and permission of the landowner. Depending on the desired outcomes, we will work with other organizations and groups to perform range assessments, obtain GIS mapping, monitor for birds and insects and much more. Ranchers will have access to data collected and any reports generated so they are actively involved with conservation efforts.
The only thing running faster than an angry momma cow is gossip about personal information. That’s why all information regarding our easements and data is strictly confidential. Any access to information is ultimately determined by the landowner. Easements are still private, legal documents between landowners and a qualified organization, such as ourselves, and we will always remain professional and abide by confidentiality
In the end, all conservation easements are 100% voluntary. We want to work with ranchers to keep themselves and their families on the landscape for generations to come. We will never force you to sign something that you are not comfortable with. In order for this lifestyle to continue we need to think in terms of what we can do today to ensure this is still here in 30 to 50 years or even longer. We need to protect it by taking care of our native grasslands so they can take care of our cattle and furthermore, our families.
Author: Mindy Hockley
