Applications go through an extensive approval process. The following is a step-by-step process for a successful application:
- Landowner submits a
Pre-Application Form. - County staff reviews the pre-application form for completeness and program eligibility.
- County staff informs the landowner of project status (eligible or ineligible).
- County staff schedules an on-site meeting with the landowner to:
- Discuss the landowner's land protection and natural resource management goals
- Discuss the Land Conservation Program process and project scoring criteria
- Conduct a preliminary natural resource assessment of the proposed easement area
- Discuss next steps
- Landowner submits a Final Application Form.
- County staff uses the final application form to prepare information and materials for staff committee review.
- Staff evaluates, scores, and ranks projects.
- Landowners are notified.
- For projects moving forward, landowners are required to sign a Commitment of Interest Agreement and submit a refundable payment of $750.
- The County completes an appraisal by an independent appraiser, at the County�s expense, to determine the fair market value of the easement.
- Advanced discussions about terms and other project considerations occur between the landowner, County staff and other project partners.
- Landowners indicate whether they will accept the County's offer to purchase a permanent conservation easement.
- A Property Report, documenting the current condition of the easement area, and a Natural Resource Management Plan are developed by the County and approved by the landowner and the County.
- Landowners and County staff review the Natural Resource Management Plan and jointly develop and sign a Natural Resource Management Agreement that includes prioritized restoration activities; responsibilities, including estimated costs and financial and in-kind contributions by the landowner and the County; and activity schedules during a one-to three-year time period.
- The proposed land protection and restoration project is submitted by County staff to the County Board for approval.
- Final documents are completed and signed for County Board-approved projects.
- The County acquires the easement, refunds the $750 COI payment, and records the easement deed.
- The Natural Resource Management Agreement is implemented, with the results monitored by the County.
- The easement is monitored by the County within the first year and annually thereafter.
- The Natural Resource Management Plan is updated by the County every five years. New Natural Resource Management Agreements are executed whenever needed.