Patsy Waterfall (right) and Pat Lopez discuss the Plan.

land acquisition
Fee simple acquisition for conservation purposes typically involves a land trust or public agency purchasing title to a property that merits conservation.  After the title transfers to the conervation buyers, the land is permanently maintained as open space.  Landowners often utilize this method of land protection because they are assured their family lands will be protected in perpetuity and they receive income from the sale of the land. 

By acquiring sensitive lands in the Tucson Mountains, Tortolita Mountains, Altar Valley grasslands, and various riparian corridors, the Trust has permanently protected more than 14,000 acres of southern Arizona wildlife habitat (through both fee simple and conservation easements). Go to Land We’ve Protected to read more about how the acquisition approach to land conservation has resulted in the protection of riparian, grassland and desert mountain habitats.