A Missouri Grant of Conservation Right and Easement is a legal agreement that grants certain rights to individuals or organizations for the purpose of conserving and protecting natural resources. This agreement allows for the sustainable use of land while ensuring the preservation of its ecological integrity. Considered an essential tool in natural resource management, these grants provide a framework for balancing development and conservation efforts in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is responsible for administering and overseeing the grant program. Various types of grants fall under the Missouri Grant of Conservation Right and Easement umbrella, each tailored to specific conservation goals: 1. Conservation Easement: This type of grant is the most common and restricts certain activities on the conserved land to protect its ecological, cultural, or scenic values. For example, a conservation easement may prohibit land subdivision, destructive agricultural practices, or excessive logging. 2. Conservation Rights: These grants entitle landowners or organizations to perform specific conservation practices on their property, either voluntarily or as part of a state or federal initiative. Conservation rights often involve habitat restoration, invasive species control, sustainable agriculture, or forestry practices that enhance biodiversity. 3. Wetland Easements: Wetland conservation easements focus specifically on protecting and restoring wetland areas. They aim to prevent wetland drainage, alteration, or degradation, and promote their ecological functions, including water filtration, flood control, and wildlife habitat preservation. 4. Stream Easements: Stream conservation easements primarily target the protection and restoration of riparian areas, stream banks, and associated habitats. These easements often prohibit or regulate activities that may result in sedimentation, erosion, or water pollution, preserving the health of the waterways and native species. By offering individuals and organizations opportunities to participate in conservation efforts, the Missouri Grant of Conservation Right and Easement program plays a crucial role in preserving the state's natural diversity and ensuring the sustainable use of its resources. Through the implementation of various grant types, Missouri aims to strike a balance between development and conservation, creating a harmonious environment that benefits both humans and the natural world.