Natural Lands

Peoples Company consistently strives to offer a variety of innovative services to landowners. The farm management sector recognizes a growing interest in the market for a conservation emphasis, and we are responding to that interest. Therefore, a companion service is now being offered, in addition to our mainstream farm management program.

Traditional Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation practices such as terraces and waterways are frequently recommended and implemented to maintain productivity on tillable production acres. Beyond these are more common conservation practices for cropped acres with additional programs and practices available for non-cropped acres.

Some of these programs include timber stand improvement, native prairie restoration and riparian protection. The long-term financial benefi ts associated with these improvements include potential for leased hunting ground, upgraded wildlife habitats and greater income from future timber harvests.

Peoples Company is committed to working with landowners to help them achieve their conservation goals within a whole farm asset management system. Our new conservation initiative will go beyond providing traditional services, which are under growing pressure due to cutbacks in state and federal government budgets. Managing cropped acres will continue to lead as an effectively strong program. Adding a conservation component to existing farm management efforts will provide a more comprehensive package
for landowners.

NATURAL LANDS SERVICES

• Evaluate conservation opportunities on tillable and non-tillable acres
  
• Inventory existing natural areas for conservation potential
  
• Identify native ecosystem components utilizing historic vegetation information
  
• Recommend best practices for restoration
  
• Develop a budget and seek funding sources
  
• Secure private service providers to implement practices
  
• Monitor and manage ongoing project maintenance

LANDOWNER RELATIONSHIPS

• Listen to landowners' desires and intent
  
• Help clarify and set practical goals by walking the land
  
• Map out priority areas and create baseline information
  
• Report periodic progress related to obstacles and successes
  
• Follow up with written annual assessments
  
• Maintain records of capital improvement successes

FARM OPERATOR RELATIONSHIPS

• Maintain open communication on desired conservation practices
  
• Seek understanding of, and cooperation with, all conservation practices
  
• Review lease and negotiate new terms as desired by the landowner

LAND STEWARDSHIP

• Restore as much native landscape as economically feasible
  
• Monitor progress with diligence beyond compliance
  
• Respect land, landowner, and tenant stewardship efforts
  
• Maintain a learning relationship with the land

More landowners are turning their attention to a conservation land management element that fits naturally with long-term planning and overarching goals. If you'd like to learn more about how a conservation approach to land management could satisfy immediate needs while helping prepare for future, contact Peoples Company today at (855) 800-5263.