Land trusts are key economic drivers
iAs land conservationists, we live and breathe communicating the multitude of benefits land trusts provide our communities: conserved open space, clean water, protected wildlife habitats, education, and the list goes on. In the face of habitat fragmentation and climate change, the work of land trusts proves increasingly important.
Yet at the Thousand Islands Land Trust in New York, we frequently field comments regarding land trusts and taxes; more specifically, concerns about land being removed from the tax rolls. It is easy to avoid the topic altogether, as making the connection between natural beauty and the local economy can seem daunting. The economic benefits of land trusts are less clear, and therefore harder to communicate effectively, than other results of our work, like the number of acres conserved.
Looking to quantify our concrete impact on the Thousand Islands region’s economy, we commissioned the Trust For Public Land to conduct a study, entitled “The Economic Benefits Of Preserves, Trails, And Conserved Open Spaces In The 1000 Islands Region.” Peer reviewed by Clarkson University, this study adds another layer to our communications that allows us to show how important conserving the Thousand Islands truly is, not just for the wildlife but for the people who live and work here as well.
This study concludes that conserved lands are key economic drivers that collectively contribute millions in economic benefits annually throughout St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties. Preserves, trails and conserved open spaces were found to increase the value of nearby residential properties by $55.9 million and property tax revenues by $684,000 per year, evidence that people are willing to pay more for a home close to these amenities. These lands also attract visitors and tourists, generating millions in labor income and thousands of jobs each year.
This study has proven to be an important tool to demonstrate our impact, clarify our role in the economy and empower our communications. With this valuable tool, now Thousand Islands Land Trust can enthusiastically confirm that we are key drivers of and contributors to the local economy, and other land trusts can do the same. To view the study and accompanying information, visit https://tilandtrust.org/about-tilt/value-land-conservation.
Alaina Young is education and outreach coordinator at Thousand Islands Land Trust.