The Lawton Constitution

Six conservation easements were purchased recently through the Fort Sill Private Lands Initiative, bringing the total number of protected properties to 10.

Commercial, residential development prohibited

The conservation easements will prohibit commercial or residential development of the land but allow for continued private ownership and ranching operations. The easements were purchased by Land Legacy, a nonprofit conservation organization based in Tulsa, using funds provided by the Army and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Fort Sill Private Lands Initiative is a partnership involving the Army, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Land Legacy, the State of Oklahoma, Comanche County and other agencies. Its purpose is to preserve open lands surrounding Fort Sill through the purchase of conservation easements. Easements are voluntary yet legally binding contracts that protect open lands from future development.

"The NRCS is proud to be a partner with the U.S. Army and Land Legacy in this important initiative," said State Conservationist Ron Hilliard. "We are helping to preserve prime farm and ranch lands while also contributing to military readiness and national security."

The problem of urban encroachment

Urban encroachment has become increasingly problematic for military installations across the nation. Incompatible land uses, such as residential or commercial developments, close to an installation's boundary can interfere with training activities and other military operations. Usually, noise created on an installation is the main concern for residential or commercial activity nearby. "By preserving open lands surrounding Fort Sill, we will help to ensure we can achieve maximum training potential and opportunities while minimizing impact to the local communities," said Randall Butler, Fort Sill director of public works.

The initiative was formally launched in July 2006 with the purchase of a conservation easement on a 300-acre property in Cache. Three additional properties were protected by the end of 2006.

"We're very grateful to each of the landowners for working with us to protect their properties," said Robert Gregory, executive director of Land Legacy. "This program is entirely voluntary, so support from landowners surrounding Fort Sill is critical."

Other partners in the initiative include the National Park Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. Land Legacy will hold the conservation easements and monitor compliance.

Landowners who choose to participate can sell conservation easements on their open lands. Depending on a property's location, easements can range from 50 percent to 80 percent of the land's full fair market value.