Investing for Monetary, Environmental and Social Benefits

Executive Summary:
A Family Office managing a 5,000+ acre property in the northwestern United States was looking to invest in sustainable uses of the land that would be consistent with the owner’s values of healing and caring for the land. The site was being managed for livestock, pastureland, crops, and forestry, and supported residences for staff and a limited-access event space.
Conservation Economics (CE) was engaged to find innovative combinations of these and other business opportunities that would boost revenue while maintaining the integrity of the property.
CE provided:

• A comprehensive property inventory report and Master Plan review
• Screening of more than 50 potential uses that were narrowed down to six feasible applications
• Recommended criteria for next steps.

Client Challenge:
The Family Office for a wealthy landowner in the northwestern United States was committed to returns on investments that combined monetary, environmental and social benefits. Cattle ranching and crops offered traditional sources of income, but the Office wanted to shift to a broader, more integrative approach. They needed assistance in finding innovative uses that would generate revenue while restoring the landscape, conserving water, and promoting the health and well-being of visitors.

Conservation Economics Solution:
CE compiled a Property Inventory Report that integrated property maps, ecosystem characteristics, man-made infrastructures, property history and uses, and community-related property issues. Based on this initial analysis, CE recommended further evaluation of six business opportunities:

• Payment for ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration, wetland mitigation)
• Sustainable agriculture and farming
• Education and recreation
• Solar and/or wind energy
• Small businesses (e.g., apiary, eco-lodging)
• Land donation or bargain sale for tax benefit.

Results:
CE worked with the Family Office to identify and apply criteria for further screening including:

• Long-term or permanent use restrictions
• Planned plant harvests
• Public access to the property
• Suitability of planned facilities for additional uses
• Agreements with outside partners to provide services
• Permanent or semi-permanent industrial installations
• Small business facilities and/or operations

The Family Office continues to evaluate their priorities based on CE’s analysis.