From 1998 through 2005, almost 5 million acres of land were conserved in the Rocky Mountain region; by both states and the federal government. The state acquired approximately 22 percent of the total. Eighty percent of these lands were purchased in fee title, while the remainder was protected through conservation easements. The Rocky Mountain region state government expended about $489 million in this time period for land conservation (59 percent of total expenditures), while the federal government spent $345 million. In other words, on an annual basis, the states spent an average of $61 million to conserve lands (at an average cost of $452 an acre) while the federal government expended an average of $43 million a year (at an average cost of $90 per acre).
Voters throughout the country strongly support conservation finance ballot measures in order to protect natural lands, preserve ranches and farms, and create parks. To view conservation finance ballot measures in this region and throughout the country visit LandVote.
Patrick Cone, UT
