Public investment in restoring riparian forests, streams, and wetlands is already generating positive impacts on water quality and wildlife habitat throughout the Potomac Watershed. However, landowners who enter into federal conservation programs are only obligated to maintain the restored area for a term of five to fifteen years. Once the contract has ended, the land may be converted into some other use, such as farmland, residential development, or commercial and industrial use – threatening the long-term health of the Potomac Watershed.

The Potomac Watershed Partnership is keeping an eye towards the long haul by utilizing the landowner services of the Potomac Conservancy. Potomac Conservancy works collaboratively with the partners to reach out to landowners and to provide a range of conservation services, from links to appropriate conservation programs to technical assistance for the sale or donation of a conservation easement. In coordination with the Partnership, Potomac Conservancy has hosted landowner workshops in targeted watersheds and linked riparian landowners to resources provided by the partners. Potomac Conservancy identifies tools for these landowners, such as a cash payment in exchange for permanent protection of a restored CREP area, or donation of a conservation easement in exchange for significant federal, state and property tax benefits.