How to put your private land to work for the public good
Whenever I find myself back home in the Hudson Valley, I’m always struck by the sheer volume of “private property” signs plastered across what feels like every possible tree, fence, or crumbling stone wall. It is a stark contrast to the western U.S., where public and protected land is the norm, not the exception. These circumstances, however, offers private landowners the opportunity to act as pivotal figures in the region’s conservation efforts through the use of conservation easements.
In 2021, the United States announced its commitment to the 30x30 initiative, joining 190 countries in the ambitious goal of conserving 30% of our land and seas by 2030. This effort is not just focused on protecting areas for wildlife, but also for humans who rely on the many benefits and resources provided by the environment.
Across the western U.S., where large swaths of public land can be found, the federal government will be instrumental in helping us achieve this target. But east of the Mississippi, and in places like upstate New York in particular that are dominated by private property, it’s a different story.
In the eastern United States, the government physically lacks the land with which to make a meaningful difference. Only 4% of this country’s public lands are found east of the Mississippi River. And yet these regions must be part of the 30x30 objective: Consider the diversity of ecosystems and habitats, many unique to the eastern U.S., that would be omitted if we relied solely on government land. In New York, for example, over 75% of
forested lands are privately owned.
While this abundance of private land presents its own set of challenges to conservation efforts, it also offers a silver lining: autonomy for people who want to ensure they themselves, not the government, will decide what happens to their land.
Through the use of conservation easements, private landowners have the opportunity to permanently protect their land and the many benefits it provides to humans and wildlife alike.
The amount of “private property” signage in our state may never change. However, we can change what those signs stand for. We can all play a part, big or small, in protecting the environment, and if you are fortunate enough to own land, whether it be one acre or one hundred, I encourage you to reach out your local land trust and have a conversation about what it could look like to place a conservation easement on your property.