Why We Monitor

When the Texas Agricultural Land Trust accepts a conservation easement, it commits to stewardship in perpetuity. To honor its commitment, TALT, through monitoring, confirms the terms of the conservation easement are being fulfilled—and enforces them in the event of an infraction of the easement terms. For example, if a landowner asked to construct only agricultural structures within a certain area of the farm or ranch, TALT will make certain no prohibited construction is taking place. Or, if the easement prohibits paved roads we confirm that roads have not been paved. TALT considers itself a partner in a property’s ongoing stewardship and works cooperatively with landowners to ensure the terms of the conservation easement are upheld as landowners continue to manage the operation toward individual goals.

During the monitoring process, TALT staff will:

  • take pictures from established baseline monitoring photo points to document the condition of the farm or ranch and provide a running record of the property’s landscape over time;
  • complete a written checklist of their observations; and
  • review the photographs and written field notes to document compliance with the easement.

TALT believes open communication is the foundation of a good working relationship. TALT shares the monitoring results with landowners and discusses them, paying particular attention to any potential trouble spots.

If monitors observe evidence of possible infractions of the easement terms, TALT staff will:

  • sit down with the landowner to discuss the situation and suggest an action plan for avoiding a costly infraction;
  • work with the landowner to amicably resolve the challenge;
  • inform the landowner that evidence of the infraction will have to be included in the annual monitoring report if the matter is not addressed appropriately within a specified time frame;
  • and, include documentation of the infraction in the annual monitoring report if the action plan is not followed to be prepared if the situation should ever have to be resolved with litigation.

Working together, TALT and conservation easement donors will create mutually agreeable plans, allowing both parties to fulfill responsibilities.

Photos from Past Monitoring Seasons

Casey Wade with Ken Cearley - Dixon Water Foundation
Jeff Williams with Ken Cearley - Happy Cove & High Lonesome Ranches
Bryan Garner with Ken Cearley - Trigger Mountain Ranch
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