Ozark Land Trust Springfield Area

The department awarded a portion of the Anadarko funds to support the Ozark Land Trust (OLT) in implementing conservation easements along ecologically sensitive areas of the South Dry Sac River, located in the Tier 1 Request for Proposal (RFP) priority area. The OLT is using the Anadarko funds to purchase conservation easements just north of Springfield’s urban core. The voluntary easement program offers permanent protection of sensitive groundwater recharge areas vital to the Springfield Area. 

Each conservation easement is tailored to the needs of the individual landowner and the unique characteristics of the land. The conservation easements allow for continued private use and management of the land, which do not destroy its long-term conservation value. The land remains in private ownership and can be sold or given away as before. The conservation easements last forever and all future owners of the property are subject to the terms of the agreement.

Activities

In 2019, OLT secured an easement on 22.4 acres in Greene County, the first such easement under this project. This easement protects riparian forest habitat along the South Dry Sac River. Preserving the riparian forest will help protect the water quality of this losing stream, near Springfield.

For information about any upcoming events, public notices and opportunities for public comment relating to this project, visit What's New in NRDAR.

Partners

This project is made possible through the joint efforts of the following groups:

• Ozark Land Trust