Conservation Easement Program

What is an Conservation Easement Program?

Conservation easements are voluntary, legally binding agreements that restrict certain types of land use to protect the conservation values of the property. Landowners who participate in this program retain ownership and the ability to use their land while ensuring the long-term protection of the water quality and natural habitats critical to the aquifer’s health. These conservation easements reflect the commitment of local landowners to preserving the integrity of the Edwards Aquifer for future generations.

Benefits of Conservation Easements

Water Quality Protection: By limiting activities that could degrade water quality, conservation easements help maintain clean water in the aquifer.
Habitat Conservation: Easements protect natural habitats, promoting biodiversity and supporting ecosystems that depend on the aquifer.
Sustainable Land Use: Conservation easements encourage sustainable agricultural and land use practices that are compatible with conservation goals.
Community Engagement: Landowners and the community gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of protecting the aquifer.

Crane Bat Cave Conservation Easement Project

The Crane Bat Cave Conservation Easement Project showcases the EAC's innovative conservation solutions. In 2020, the City of San Antonio’s Edwards Aquifer Protection Program (EAPP) acquired the 75.28-acre Crane Bat Cave property in NW Bexar County. The City's Southern Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan (SEP-HCP) then requested to manage the property, establishing a karst preserve for endangered invertebrates. Legally unable to hold a conservation easement on its own property, the city enlisted the EAC to hold and enforce the conservation easement. In 2023, the EAC officially took on this role, furthering its mission to protect the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

Dischinger-Brehmer Ranch Project

The Dischinger-Brehmer Ranch Project is a significant achievement for conservation efforts within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. This nearly 1,200-acre ranch in Comal County is now protected from development forever, thanks to conservation-minded landowners and corporate support. This conservation easement ensures the property’s positive impacts on the aquifer and regional ecosystem are maintained in perpetuity.

For more information about this project, check out this news article from The Express-News.

Edwards Aquifer Authority
Field Research Park

The City of San Antonio, through the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program which it administers, facilitated the contribution of two tracts of land to the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy. Totaling 150 acres, and valued at $5.5 million, the land now termed as the Field Research Park provides a hands-on opportunity for the scientists of the EAA and their associates to practice and measure the efficacy of land management techniques designed to increase both the yield and quality of water entering into the Edwards Aquifer.

Medina Tree Conservation Project

The Medina Tree Conservation Project demonstrates a creative collaboration to protect the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and Transition Zone between Medina Lake and San Geronimo Dam. This 40+ acre conservation easement, though small, highlights the effectiveness of partnerships. A developer offsets development impacts by setting aside land under a permanent conservation easement, adhering to San Antonio's tree ordinance. The EAC holds and enforces this conservation easement, ensuring sensitive recharge lands remain undeveloped—a win-win-win for the developer, the city, and the EAC.

Thank you for your interest in the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy and our conservation easement program. If you have property you would like to protect, please complete our web inquiry form and one of our staff will be in touch. Your support and participation are crucial to ensuring the continued health and sustainability of this vital resource. Through this program, we can make a lasting impact on the future of the Edwards Aquifer.