1. Conservation Incentives Discussion

2. 2 Conservation Incentives New concept: “payments for ecosystem services” Pay ranchers for ecological benefits of land management practices Voluntary, non-regulatory approach to sustainable land management

3. 3 Ranching and Conservation Sustainable ranching is essential to large- landscape conservation Land management by ranchers is vital to maintain healthy habitat Ranching provides large blocks of open, relatively undisturbed land for wildlife

4. 4 Benefits of Conservation Incentives Diversifies income sources of ranching Provides capital to implement conservation practices (i.e., water, erosion control) Increases public recognition of the value of sustainable range management

5. 5 Key Elements of Conservation Incentive Programs A. Who pays? Governments (state or federal) Non-governmental Organizations (conservation groups or foundations) Private Equity (investor dollars)

6. 6 Key Elements of Conservation Incentive Programs B. What does the program pay for? Outcome-based (improvement above baseline) Input-based (practices resulting in improvement) Planning Management assistance/technical assistance Emergency assistance Other

7. 7 Key Elements of Conservation Incentive Programs C. How does the program pay for these things? Credits Term contracts (c ost share, full cost) D. How long must a rancher provide services? Fixed period (not forever), or Permanently E. Regulatory assurances

8. 8 Examples? Florida Ranchlands Environmental Services Project (FRESP) – Partnership between local, state, and federal agencies; the Florida Cattleman’s Association; and the World Wildlife Fund – Voluntary program to increase water retention on ranches to restore the Everglades – 10 year contracts pay the cost of implementing the management practices and an annual lump-sum payment for maintaining the practice Grass Banking – The Malpai Borderlands Group pioneered the grass bank concept – Area is set aside to provide forage for ranchers when forage on their home ranch is unavailable or limited – Provide a way to help ranchers overcome drought, implement restoration projects that require resting pastures, or other circumstance that limit the availability of forage on their ranch

9. 9 QUESTION 1 Based on what you’ve heard, what would be the key elements to create a workable conservation incentives program for ranchers in the Southwest? Things to think about…  What would it focus on?  What are the real needs on the ground?  What types of incentives would help you?

10. 10 QUESTION 2 Are you comfortable with the idea of making conservation part of your business model? Things to think about…  Could supplement ranching income, but may require changes to your operation  Positives and negatives?

11. 11 QUESTION 3 What types of payments are you most comfortable with? Things to think about…  On-going or one-time payments  Technical assistance  Emergency payments  Length

12. 12 QUESTION 4 What types of regulatory assurances would you need to participate in a conservation incentives program? Things to think about…  Safe harbor agreement  No government involvement or funds  Others?

13. 13 QUESTION 5 If a conservation incentives program were to proceed, what would be the necessary elements for it to work for you? Things to think about…  Would you consider participating in the development of a program?

14. 14 QUESTION 6 May we contact you?  Name  Address  Phone  Email