#5 – Monitoring Conservation EasementsClient’s NameName & Email of Group MembersPurpose of the StudyStatement of the ProblemPossible Research QuestionsProducts of the researchAudiencesResearch MethodsExpertise RequiredTimelinePotential Sources of Information#5 – Monitoring Conservation EasementsFebruary 4, 2005.Client’s NameCongressional Research Service (CRS)Name & Email of Group MembersKathy Chen [email protected] Gunder [email protected] Kustin [email protected] Pendergrass [email protected] Purpose of the StudyThis project will examine how conservation easements are monitored and enforced once they arein place, especially in situations where the easement terms require alteration of the landscape. A representative sample of public agencies and private organizations will serve as the basis for research. The study will investigate whether there are any differences in the performance of temporary and permanent easements, and in particular it will look at federal programs that provide funding for but do not hold easements. Finally, the study will discuss the implications of these findings for national policy. A recent SNRE Master’s Project addressed similar issues but had a narrower focus (see “Trends in Easement Language and the Status of Current Monitoring on Working Forest Conservation Easements,” April 2004).Statement of the ProblemThroughout the United States, land is being developed at alarming rates. Many people believe that open space, farmland, wildlife habitat, and wilderness areas need to be preserved and protected from future development. Conservation easements are one way to restrict development and serve other purposes on land. Easements are voluntary agreements between landowners and land trusts or government agencies that limit uses of the land. While use of conservation easements is growing rapidly, there is little information about how they are monitored and enforced. Also, the literature is lacking in comprehensive analyses of their ultimate success as a resource conservation tool. Possible Research Questions1. Which public and private organizations use easements as a resource protection tool?2. What monitoring, restoration guidelines, and enforcement requirements do these organizations use and how are they administered? What happens when landowners do notmeet the terms of an easement agreement? How frequently do problems of fulfilling the terms of an easement arise?3. Is there any difference in the performance of permanent and temporary easements?4. What happens with federal programs that provide funding for easements but do not legally hold them? To what extent does the federal government remain involved in management after the transactions occur?5. What are the national policy implications of these findings?6. What are ways that easement management can be improved, altered, or standardized? What resources would be needed to accomplish this?1Products of the researchThe primary product would be a detailed analysis of the research questions, including policy implications, in the form of a report. The report’s comments and policy recommendations will beused to create an official CRS report for dissemination to Congress. Other possible products may include: briefings to policymakers and other interested groups in Washington, DC; presentations at conferences; other publications to be distributed to or utilized by land trusts and conservation organizations.AudiencesMembers of Congress, Committee staff, and employees of Federal agencies will be particularly interested in findings relevant to federal policy and programs. Conservation professionals and land trust organizations, and the agricultural community will also find the research useful. The client, the Congressional Research Service, performs nonpartisan policy research and analysis for Congress. They will use the results of this study to inform federal policy discussions and helpmembers of Congress consider and develop legislation.Research MethodsThe team will conduct an extensive literature review and pursue CRS research recommendations and assistance. To gather land ownership, conservation, and management practice data the team will use GIS maps, real estate transaction databases, and government records displaying land sales and land/monetary transactions between government and landowners. The team will also conduct surveys through phone, e-mail, and mail and conduct interviews via phone and on-site visits with concerned parties. In designing surveys and interview questions, the team plans to consult with both its client and faculty at SNRE, such as Rachel Kaplan, who teaches research methods.Expertise RequiredSubstantive:- State and federal policy affecting easement management- Tax and real estate law affecting easement lands- Conservation techniques: type of easements, ecological restoration, conservation plans, land management techniques, other private property mechanisms- Nonprofit management and structure- Conservation principles- Basic ecology and biologyDesired skills of team members:- Excellent communication, organizational, and writing skills- Analytical skills- Training in statistics and research methods- Public policy- Ecology- GIS- Computer skills (databases, statistical programs, graphing, etc)2ResourcesThe resources needed to carry out the work include equipment and supplies to conduct survey research, such as paper, postage, copies, long distance phone calls, etc. Visiting some of easement lands and interviewing landowners, land managers, and other local interests would be useful in order to gain a sense of the sociopolitical climate, satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the arrangement, and public perceptions. Travel to Washington D.C. would be likely, in order to present our findings to CRS and/or relevant federal agencies or Congressional Committees.TimelineThe project would require a full year of research. CRS has requested a completed product by early 2006, which fits with SNRE deadline requirements. Summer work would not be mandatory; however, it would be beneficial to conduct basic background research and a literaturereview during this time period.- Early Fall 2005/Summer 2005: Background/literature research- Fall 2005: Development of survey questions and document organizational structure.- Late Fall/Early 2006: Site visits and surveying.- Early Winter 2006: Finalization of product for CRS.- Mid/Late Winter 2006: Supplemental materials completed by
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