Landowner Motivations for Engaging in Cost-Share Conservation

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (Partners Program) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) engages private landowners in habitat restoration on their lands throughout the United States to enhance and restore... [ view full abstract ]

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (Partners Program) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) engages private landowners in habitat restoration on their lands throughout the United States to enhance and restore habitat for species including those that are Threatened and Endangered. Habitat enhancement projects include stream restoration and bank stabilization, wetland restoration, invasive species control, grazing management plans, encroaching plant removal, native seed planting, fencing, fire management, fish/aquatic species passage and more. The Partners Program model is to provide landowners with technical assistance and cost-sharing such as provision of materials, contractor time, and equipment rental costs. In this session, a Partners Program practitioner will share their insights as to why private landowners voluntarily sign on to complete cost-shared habitat enhancement projects. Understanding landowner motivations for engaging in cost-share projects is key to the continued success and future refinement of the Partners Program objectives project delivery. This session will provide insights and information to improve private lands conservation and habitat improvement programs through understanding lessons learned from a boots-on-the-ground practitioner. Only through understanding landowner motivations can conservation programs and organizations be successful at identifying their target audience, creating outreach and communication strategies and ultimately partner with these willing landowners.