Conservation Buyer Program

Over the past decade, the Methow Conservancy has worked with over 70 families to document and protect the conservation values on their properties through conservation easements. While the generosity and vision of these families has led to remarkable and rapid conservation success, the Conservancy recognizes that conservation easements are not the only way to achieve land protection.

When conservation easements are not an option, conservation purchases offer an important land protection alternative. In order to facilitate conservation purchases the Conservancy has started a small, focused conservation buyer program.

The purpose of the conservation buyer program is to match high-priority conservation properties with buyers who treasure the natural richness of these properties. The conservation buyer program focuses on two types of private land:

What kind of properties are currently on the market?
The Methow Valley Multiple Listing Service provides a searchable database of all properties listed for sale by members of the MLS.

To assist potential conservation buyers, the Methow Conservancy maintains a current list of conservation properties for sale in the Methow Valley. Properties with significant river frontage, significant acreage, high-quality habitat, connection to existing protected areas, or productive agricultural soils contribute to the Methow Conservancy’s determination of whether a property is a valuable conservation objective.

Methow Conservancy staff are readily available to consult with potential conservation buyers, and will describe the specific natural resource qualities and conservation easement options. The Methow Conservancy maintains a list of potential conservation buyers, and will regularly notify buyers of new opportunities if buyers request this service.

If you would like to learn more about what is currently for sale, or if you would like to sell to a conservation buyer, please contact us at 509-996-2870 or info@methowconservancy.org.