Photo by Dennis Lingohr/American Prairie Reserve
A market-based approach to conservation
Conservation banks can be used to protect habitat of at-risk species while fostering necessary land development. Projects that disrupt sage-grouse habitat are required to purchase and preserve land to make up for any impacts. Instead of developers just purchasing and preserving the most affordable or convenient parcels, a conservation bank provides pre-approved habitat "offsets" (or credits), in areas that provide the greatest benefit to the species at risk.
Conservation banks can be used to protect habitat of at-risk species while fostering necessary land development. Projects that disrupt sage-grouse habitat are required to purchase and preserve land to make up for any impacts. Instead of developers just purchasing and preserving the most affordable or convenient parcels, a conservation bank provides pre-approved habitat "offsets" (or credits), in areas that provide the greatest benefit to the species at risk.
An option for mitigation
A bank provides an alternative method for habitat offsets by preserving large tracts of high quality habitat and/or restoring disturbed land that neighbors high quality habitat to provide increased benefits to the species of concern. Ideal banks are permanently protected from development, border existing preserves, and are managed perpetually to ensure long-term quality of the habitat. Thoughtful offset ratios can ensure a net benefit to the species. This approach seeks to incentivize and reward landowners of critical habitat instead of making them bear the costs of conservation, while at the same time directing any necessary mitigation to areas that will best benefit the species.
A bank provides an alternative method for habitat offsets by preserving large tracts of high quality habitat and/or restoring disturbed land that neighbors high quality habitat to provide increased benefits to the species of concern. Ideal banks are permanently protected from development, border existing preserves, and are managed perpetually to ensure long-term quality of the habitat. Thoughtful offset ratios can ensure a net benefit to the species. This approach seeks to incentivize and reward landowners of critical habitat instead of making them bear the costs of conservation, while at the same time directing any necessary mitigation to areas that will best benefit the species.