Conservation Incentives Library

Posted: 13-Jan-2002; Updated: 21-Jul-2003

Welcome to the Environmental Defense electronic library of information on incentives for landowners to conserve endangered species.

This site encompasses an array of incentive-related topics, including safe harbor policies and agreements, government incentives programs, and private incentives programs, as well as a variety of related resources. Environmental Defense is grateful to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for its help establishing this library and to the several other foundations that have helped us pioneer the use of safe harbor agreements and other incentive-based strategies for conserving endangered species, including the Bernice Barbour Foundation, Beneficia Foundation, Kronkosky Foundation, Meadows Foundation, Moriah Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Edward John Noble Foundation, Sand County Foundation, Underhill Foundation, and Alex C. Walker Educational & Charitable Foundation. In addition to the general categories of information above, the following links may be of special interest. allow private landowners to help preserve and restore habitat for endangered species without sacrificing control of their property.

Where and when have safe harbor agreements been signed?
Safe harbor agreements by state.
Safe harbor agreements by date.

Progress on the Back Forty (819k pdf file) An Environmental Defense report discusses government and private incentive-based programs to protect endangered species on private lands.

Consult the safe harbor handbook  This guide for landowners explains what safe harbor is, describes the pioneering agreements and tells what a landowner needs to do to enroll in a safe harbor plan.