Investing in Colorado: Colorado's return on investments in conservation easements: Conservation Easement Tax Credit program and Great Outdoors Colorado

Abstract

The State of Colorado has invested substantial financial resources assisting state agencies, local governments, and private nonprofit land trusts in the voluntary acquisition of conservation easements from willing landowners. Two of the State's principal efforts to incentivize the acquisition of conservation easements are the Conservation Easement Tax Credit program and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Although these programs have funded acquisitions for over 22 years, there is little quantitative information about the benefits Colorado residents receive from the State's investments. This study examines the ecological and economic benefits to the public from the Conservation Easement Tax Credit program and GOCO-funded conservation easements.