BRF operates as a land trust, a nonprofit organization whose
mission is to actively work to conserve land by undertaking
or assisting in fee title land or easement acquisitions, and
by managing and monitoring BRF land and easements.
BRF also engages in educational efforts about the Buffalo
National River and its watershed.
BRF's preferred option is a conservation easement, a legal agreement between
the landowner and BRF that permanently limits a property's uses in order to
protect its conservation values. This option is preferred because the landowner
continues to own the property and may continue to live on it, restrict public
access, sell it, or pass it on to heirs. An easement can be flexible, written
to meet the particular needs of the landowner while protecting the property's
conservation values. It is permanent, remaining in force when the land
changes hands. Normally, landowners donate easements, satisfying their
own wishes for long-term use of their property. Every easement is tailored
to the specific needs of the property owner.
Permanent protection. Monitoring an easement or a nature preserve
normally involves an annual visit by a BRF representative, to include contact
with the landowner or custodian of the property. If BRF finds that terms of
the easement have been violated, BRF will work with the landowner to correct
the violation.
