New Report by the Texas Land Trust Council Highlights Over $1 Billion in

Annual Economic Benefits of Conserved Lands to Flood Mitigation, Ag, Water

Resources

The new study, produced by Siglo Group in partnership with the Texas Land Trust Council,
quantifies the value of lands and conservation easements that have been conserved by or with
assistance from the Texas land trust community. The study found that the lands put into
conservation with the help of Texas land trusts are estimated to provide more than $1 billion in
benefits to Texas taxpayers each year.

Austin, TX, March 07, 2019 --(PR.com)-- The new study, produced by Siglo Group in partnership with
the Texas Land Trust Council, quantifies the value of lands and conservation easements that have been
conserved by or with assistance from the Texas land trust community. Land Trusts are non-profit
organizations that work to conserve special lands and waters by permanently protecting them from
development for the benefit of the people, economy, and wildlife of our state. Land trusts conserve
natural areas by negotiating private, voluntary agreements with property owners to leave their land
undeveloped or through outright purchases. There are over 30 land trusts in Texas that offer nonprofit,
voluntary solutions for land conservation.

Economic values for benefits provided by these conserved lands were calculated using an ecosystem
services approach. Specifically, the study assessed the more than 1.6 million acres of open space lands
that have been compiled into a statewide conserved lands database by Texas Land Trust Council
members and partners as of January 1, 2018. Lands were assessed in terms of the services and subsequent
taxpayer savings they provide for water quality, water quantity, flood prevention, and rural economies
(via agricultural production and wildlife leases).

This study examined past and current research and data related to economic benefits achieved through
conservation. The study found that the lands put into conservation with the help of Texas land trusts are
estimated to provide more than $1 billion in benefits to Texas taxpayers each year. Of this, 47% is
attributed to flood prevention and damage reduction, 16% can be attributed to supporting rural
economies, and 37% can be attributed to benefits for water quality and quantity. Over the next 30 years,
the protection of these services would result in over $30 billion in taxpayer savings at today's current
rates.

Through a monetary valuation of the economic benefits that conserved lands provide, the results of this
project are intended to more clearly articulate the value of Texas conservation lands and open spaces to
decision makers. The findings represent a great step forward toward recognizing the substantial value that
conservation lands bring to the Texas economy.

For more information or to download a copy of the report call 512-994-8582 or visit
www.texaslandtrustcouncil.org

The Texas Land Trust Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that builds and supports a strong,

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active coalition of more than 30 organizations working to conserve the lands and waters of Texas. We
serve as a powerful voice for conservation to protect drinking water, Texas' iconic wildlife, and our rich
natural and cultural heritage. Together and in partnership with private landowners and citizens, we work
to ensure that the Texas landscape - rich in history, natural resources, breathtaking views and recreational
opportunities - can be left intact for all of us today and for the future. Learn more:
www.texaslandtrustcouncil.org

Siglo Group uses the power of geographic information to help our clients integrate land use with natural
systems. Siglo has worked on sites ranging from small city parks and private ranches to large,
multi-county regions. We specialize in conservation planning, cartography, regional analysis, and land
management plans. Using maps, reports, presentations, and dynamic web tools, we support our clients
with decision-making and planning, as well as education and outreach initiatives. We pride ourselves on
producing visually compelling and informative products about a range of complex issues. Learn more:
www.siglogroup.com

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Contact Information:
Texas Land Trust Council
Lori Olson
512-994-8582
Contact via Email
www.texaslandtrustcouncil.org

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: https://www.pr.com/press-release/779161

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