The Public Benefits of Private Land Conservation
When people think about conservation, they often picture public parks, forests, and trails where everyone has direct access. A common critique of private land conservation—such as conservation easements—is that it limits public use. If people cannot hike, camp, or hunt on a piece of conserved land, how does society benefit?
The truth is, the value of private land conservation extends far beyond direct access. These lands deliver a wide range of indirect public benefits that ripple through communities, economies, and ecosystems.
1. Clean Water and Air
Privately conserved lands often include forests, wetlands, and riparian corridors that naturally filter water and improve air quality. Even if the public never sets foot on the property, everyone downstream benefits from cleaner drinking water, reduced flood risks, and improved ecological resilience.
2. Climate and Carbon Benefits
Conserved landscapes store massive amounts of carbon in forests, soils, and wetlands. By protecting these lands from development or intensive conversion, private conservation helps mitigate climate change. The result is cleaner air, more stable weather systems, and fewer costly climate impacts—all of which serve the public good.
3. Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity
Private conservation lands safeguard habitats for countless species, from pollinators to migratory birds to large mammals. This biodiversity provides ecosystem services—such as crop pollination, pest control, and genetic resilience—that sustain agriculture and food systems. Hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers all benefit from healthy populations of wildlife, whether or not they enter conserved lands.
4. Stronger Rural Economies
By maintaining working forests, ranches, and farms under conservation agreements, private landowners contribute to local economies. Conservation easements often keep lands productive while preventing fragmentation, ensuring that rural livelihoods tied to farming, ranching, or forestry endure for future generations.
5. Scenic and Cultural Value
Even if access is limited, conserved lands preserve the landscapes that define a region’s character—mountain views, rolling fields, river valleys, and historic homesteads. These viewsheds contribute to community identity, tourism, and quality of life.
6. Reduced Public Costs
Conservation reduces pressure on municipalities to expand costly infrastructure like roads, sewer systems, and emergency services to far-flung developments. In this way, private conservation indirectly lowers taxpayer burdens while promoting smart growth.
Rethinking "Access"
Access is not the only metric for public value. The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, the climate we depend on, and the views that inspire us are all enriched by private conservation efforts. In fact, the majority of conservation lands in the U.S. are privately owned, meaning their stewardship is essential for achieving broad conservation goals.
At Terra Alta, we work with landowners and partners to ensure these benefits endure—because conserving private lands isn’t just a private act; it’s a gift to the public.
