As the year winds down we are celebrating a productive year and reflecting on our most recent projects. In 2018, we added 3 conservation easements that permanently protect over 1400 acres.. The 181 acre Menefee conservation easement near Carthage, MO protects a grass fed beef operation and Civil War battlefield; the Robbins conservation easement near Greenbrier, AR protects nearly 900 acres of wildlife habitat; and the Murphy conservation easement protects over 375 acres of family farm and wildlife habitat, including habitat for federally endangered bat species. We’re on track to close seven conservation easements, another 1400 acres, in 2019.
While our mission is to conserve natural resources, behind every beautiful parcel of land we conserve is a story, a personal connection to the land; regardless of whether the land has been in the family for multiple generations or just a few months. Every landowner knows the history of their land and envisions a future of conservation, not only of the land, but of the story. Without the story, without the connection, the land has little value to the landowner.
Be it a land legacy, preservation of nature for future generations to enjoy, whatever the motivation, conservation easements empower landowners to achieve their conservation goals and vision for the land and we all benefit from this generosity. Look for our landowners’ stories in upcoming newsletters.
Exciting things are on the horizon for ORLT. We look forward to protecting more of the land you value and bringing conservation close to home.
Thank you for your continued support.
We wish you Happy Holidays and a peaceful, prosperous 2019!
Kelly O’Mara
Conservation Projects Manager
Congress Mooooves to pass billion dollar farm bill
With strong bipartisan support, Congress recently passed the 2019 Farm Bill allocating billions of dollars in subsidies to American farmers and ranchers. This bill beefs up several important programs including preserving the Conservation Stewardship Program which pays farmers to strengthen conservation efforts.
The bill also provides permanent funding for farmers markets and local food programs, including farmers market promotion, organic farming research, and training for the next generation of farmers. The bill also provides permanent funding for veteran and minority farmers.
OLRT Board Meets in Eureka Springs
On November 17th, the ORLT board convened in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for its end-of-year, in-person board meeting. The board heard reports from staff and committee chairs about the many current and upcoming projects, stewardship of 18,000 acres of protected land, outreach and fundraising, finances and administration. Learn more about our board members.
Give to ORLT Before the New Year!
In order to ensure there is MORE for later, we need to prepare now. The cost to conserve nature is going up. Securing lands from being developed and restoring damaged forests and prairies takes more money. Making sure our water and rivers are clean from pollution is more expensive. Keeping trails maintained and available for public access requires more funds.
If you want to leave MORE land conserved for the next generation, will you consider contributing MORE to Ozark Regional Land Trust during this year-end appeal? Help leave this legacy for your future.
