United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Washington, D.C. 20240

In Reply Refer To:

FWS/ ANRS/068625 AUG 02 20\S

Memorandum

To: Regional Directors 1-8

From: Gregory J. Sheehan

Principal Deputy

Subject: Conservation Easemen Management

Conservation easements are important to achieve the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)
conservation mission and ensure an enduring wildlife legacy for future generations of
Americans. A significant portion of the most important wildlife habitat in the United States is
privately owned; those easements provide a cost-effective means for the Service to protect in
perpetuity important habitat on private lands to benefit fish, wildlife and people. Conservation
easements on private lands have been an integral part of the National Wildlife Refuge System's
conservation strategy for many decades.

Whether the Service is securing a new easement or managing an established easement, our
success depends on building a positive relationship with private landowners. When managing
conservation easements under Service policy 1, we should strive to build and maintain healthy
relationships with landowners who have allowed their lands to be encumbered with an easement.
These landowners are vital conservation partners and essential to our nation's success in
conserving fish and wildlife.

To foster positive relationships, the first contact between the Service and a private landowner
regarding a conservation easement should involve a Refuge Manager who has been assigned
management responsibilities for that easement, when practicable. Refuge Managers are also
encouraged to establish contact and communicate frequently with owners of easement-protected
lands, including new owners of lands already encumbered by easements. This communication
helps ensure the continued delivery of an easement's conservation benefits while reducing the
likelihood of conflict.

Unless concerns for employee safety or implications that a violation has taken place are present,
Service law enforcement officers are not expected to make first contact with land owners.

1
601 FW 6, Administration of National Wildlife Refuge System Conservation Easements.
America's private landowners have long shown their respect for the values and benefits of
wildlife conservation, serving as critical and esteemed partners in our work. Let's make sure we
connect with landowners and build lasting relationships so that future generations of people and
wildlife can thrive.