Land Conservation

We work with private landowners to craft a voluntary conservation agreement, also known as a conservation easements, that permanently conserves land that are crucial wildlife habitats, protects rivers and streams, are in working agriculture, or contributes to the scenic quality of Sheridan County. We believe that by maintaining the values that make Sheridan County unique and beautiful, we will make a positive impact on the local tourism economy and make sure that this is always a great place to live.

Local Families Have Worked with SCLT to Conserve

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Properties Conserved Forever

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Acres of Working Land & Open Space

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Acres of Antelope Habitat

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Acres of White-Tailed Deer Habitat

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Acres of Habitat for Mule Deer

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Miles of Rivers, Creeks & Streams

WHAT IS A VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION AGREEMENT / CONSERVATION EASEMENT?

A conservation easement protects certain natural resources and scenic values of a property in perpetuity. Easements provide various of benefits to landowners, future generations, and the community. Some easement benefits for landowners may include tax incentives, financial benefits, continued opportunities for traditional ranching uses, and the peace of mind that treasured lands will be protected for generations to come. Communities benefit from the preservation of scenic roads and vistas, improved water and air quality, and the continuance of ranching and agriculture in our communities.

Considering subdividing? A voluntary conservation agreement can be used in part with a conservation subdivision. For a conservation subdivision, Sheridan County has incentivized the permit process by eliminating the preliminary plat process and abolished the normal application subdivision fees.

IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT RIGHT FOR MY PROPERTY?

You take great pride in your property. You have cared deeply for your land. What comes next? Whether you want to ensure the legacy of your property or help the next generation, a conservation easement might be a good fit. A conservation easement can help you:

Ensure forever the legacy of your property as working land and open space,
Assist in estate planning and transfer to the next generation, and
Help you acquire additional acreage or payoff farm debt to also assist in keeping your ranch or farm economically viable for future generations.

If you are interested in talking with us about your conservation options, please contact us by phone, email, or stop by the SCLT Office. Filling out our simple landowner inquiry form is a great way to start. We can also set up a visit to your property to further discuss your specific conservation goals and how we might be able to work with you.

Conservation Easement Application

Basic Voluntary Conservation Agreement Background

More in depth – Introduction to Conservation Easements

Landowner Resources

At Sheridan Community Land Trust, we believe collaboration leads to stronger conservation. That’s why we partner with local, state, and national organizations to connect landowners with the best available information, tools, and resources. Here are some great resources you can use to steward your land today so it remains healthy and productive into the future.

Wyoming NRCS Conservation Programs
Learn about financial and technical assistance available to Wyoming ranchers and ag producers.
Sheridan County Conservation District
SCCD provides voluntary, locally-directed, financial and technical assistance to producers.
World Wildlife Fund, Sustainable Ranching Initiative
Helps ranchers in the Northern Great Plains implement sustainable grazing practices and improve the health of rangelands. The SRI aims to help ranchers develop sustainable management plans, access technical assistance, and participate in educational programs.
Northern Great Plains Joint Venture, Northern Grassland Incentive Program
N-GRIP offers targeted financial assistance for voluntary working lands practices that support ranching operations and maintain habitat for declining grassland birds.
Wyoming Game and Fish, Sheridan Region
WGFD resources are designed to help producers coexist with wildlife, manage wildlife populations on their lands, and address potential conflicts or damages caused by wildlife
Sheridan County Weed and Pest
SCWP helps landowners with tools and resources to control invasive and noxious weeds and pests on their property.
Sheridan County Water Supply Report
A one-stop shop that compiles the latest information about water availability, streamflow, snowpack, drought, soil moisture, and water supply forecasts created by SCLT.