Landowners

How It Works

Typically, landowners are fully compensated once the conservation easement has been recorded. But you may take compensation in increments, depending on your situation. Weโ€™ll work with you to find the best solution for your needs.

Preliminary site evaluation

We meet with you to evaluate your land for mitigation potential and explain the land conservation process.

Conceptualization

Following our site evaluation, our team will develop a conceptual restoration plan. We will discuss the conceptual plan with you and explain the ecological benefits your property will experience.

Agreement

After estimating your siteโ€™s mitigation potential, weโ€™ll present a legal option agreement and conservation easement deed for review.

Project design

This is where weโ€™ll survey, plan, and design the restoration project to meet your land management and ecological needs.

Compensation

Weโ€™ll record the conservation easement and compensate you. Typically, landowners are fully compensated following the recordation of the conservation easement.

Construction

Upon receiving our regulatory approval, we begin site construction. Construction may include wetland, stream, upland rehabilitation, and/or re-establishment.

Monitoring and maintenance

Once construction is completed, our last step is restoration monitoring until regulatory sign-off of the site. Depending on the locale, monitoring typically lasts for a period of 5 to 10 years.

Longterm stewarding

Following regulatory sign-off, the conservation area will be maintained and monitored, in perpetuity, by an approved and pre-negotiated long-term steward.

Benefits of land conservation

At WLS, landowners are the critical stakeholder and a crucial component to successful ecological restoration. Without landowner participation, the mitigation industry would not flourish. As landowners ourselves, we understand your land is an important asset and often the foundation of your family history. We want to understand your long-term vision. Weโ€™ll work with you respectfully to increase your property value and protect your asset.

As we work together, youโ€™ll be able to see firsthand the financial and ecological rewards that restoration and conservation create. Not only does restoration improve species diversity, water quality, and reduce flooding frequency, but it also turns potentially unproductive areas of your property into income generators. Furthermore, land restoration and conservation mean additional and improved recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide a way for you to improve your property, generate income, and give back to the land that has been your family livelihood for so long.

Frequently Asked Questions

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