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Meramec Funding Sources

Conservation Land Acquisition Program - Land Conservation Partnership Grant

Aug. 1, 2019
By Missouri Department of Conservation

Story summary:

  • The Conservation Land Acquisition Program provides funds for land acquisition that provides increased public access to nature and outdoor recreation. Land must also enhance conservation of wildlife, habitats and ecosystem services.

Quick Facts

Conservation Land Acquisition Program
MDC

MDC Mission
Protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife resources of the state; to facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about these resources. 

Eligibility
Local governments, Nonprofits

What do they fund?
A portion of the cost of land purchase
Lands with high conservation value are ranked higher in the competitive process. 

What do they NOT fund?
Land purchase for any other use besides natural habitat with public access.
Lands Required to be Purchased by another Entity (flood buyout, development requirement for common ground for subdivision, etc)

Length of funding
6 months to 1 year 

Match 
25%
A partial land value donation can contribute towards match.

Timing
2019 application deadline was Dec 31.
Applications accepted outside Request for Proposals window if applicant demonstrates urgent need.

About

The Land Conservation Partnership Grant – Conservation Land Acquisition Program provides funding for the costs of acquiring land through fee title to be held and managed by the applicant.  

Local governments and nonprofits whose goals include protecting and conserving lands are eligible to apply for funding to cover a portion of the cost of a land purchase. Local governments and nonprofits whose goals include protecting and conserving lands are eligible to apply for funding to cover a portion of the cost of a land purchase. Applicants request both: a percentage (up to 75%) of the appraised land value, and a dollor funding request for the proeprty's and value. If approved, the MDC will provide the lesser of the two. Projects in which the partners are paying a greater portion of the cost will receive more points.

Eligible properties include Missouri lands that are for willing sale. Land acquired by eminent domain is ineligible. The grand funds land purchase costs for land that will be managed as natural habitat (forest, stream, grasslands, wetlands, etc.) and supporting infrastructure (trails, parking lots, etc.). If the land is not currenlty natural habitat, grant funds can be used if there is a plan to begin habitat conversion within two years. 

All lands in this program must have public access, unless acres directly support state or federally listed species or habitats of conservation concerns that would be vulnerable to public access.

Appraisals must be completed by MDC approved appraisers.

Grant recipients must install signage recognizing MDC’s assistance in acquiring the property, manage according to the management plan outlined in the application, and submit a letter every five-years stating the property is still under applicant ownership and being used according to agreed upon terms.


Contact Info

Questions:
Gus Raeker
gus.raeker@mdc.mo.gov
573-522-4115     Ext. 3129

Applications mailed to:
Robyn Hilliard
robyn.hilliard@mdc.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Conservation
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Consult your community’s attorney and financial advisors prior to moving forward with any of these funding options. Any reference in this website to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this website to the website of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of companies or organizations.
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