| The primary goal of land conservation is to protect water resources in the District. At the same time we also look at features such as connectivity to other protected lands, habitat protection, and opportunities to work together with cities and counties. |
"It's cheaper and more effective to make sure water coming into streams is clean than to treat contaminated water." - Michael Pressman
Some of the types of land we are interested in protecting include:
- Wetlands and wetland buffers
- Shorelands on lakes and streams
- High quality native landscapes
- Steep slopes near water-bodies
- Sites that connect habitat and hydrologic corridors
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If a landowner is interested in participating in one of the land protection options the property is evaluated using the following process. While the specifics vary for each project these steps describe the general process.
- Landowner or representative contacts Land Conservation staff, or staff finds a property listing on MLS.
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- If you are interested in a land conservation agreement with MCWD the first step is to contact LC staff.
- LC staff with discuss with you the types of protection MCWD offers and how they can meet the goals and need you have for your property.
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- Initial in-office review of aerial photos, planning maps and natural resource layers (soils, land use, etc.)
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- The LC Specialist will take a look at the property in the office including evaluation of natural resources on site, connectivity to other protected lands, and consistency with MCWD, city, and county plans.
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- Site visit
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- If the property is of interest for conservation LC staff will schedule a time to meet with the property owner on site to examine the property. This helps us get more information about property specifics.
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- Discussion about conservation options and interest in moving forward
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- Technical Advisory Committee review
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- LC works with a group who serve as a Technical Advisory Committee who work in parks/open space, environmental, planning, and natural resource fields to get input on the value of conservation. This group reviews potential purchase opportunities to help prioritize properties.
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Site Visit
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- MCWD Board review
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- If the property has been evaluated as a high priority Land Conservation staff will take the property to the Board of Managers to discuss the possibility of negotiating an agreement to purchase the property or an easement. The Board must approve all property acquisitions.
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- Negotiation of final easement or purchase agreement terms etc.
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- If the Board approves going ahead with purchase negations staff will need to do a Title search, have an Appraisal done to determine the value of the property and have a survey done.
- At this time staff will work with the landowner or landowner’s representative to determine the specifics of the Purchase Agreement. A Purchase Agreement is always contingent on final board approval.
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- Final Board approval
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- The final purchase agreement, and easement if applicable, will go to the Board of Managers for final approval. Once the Board grants approval the closing can be scheduled.
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