The Scale of Landowner Investments in Conservation across the American West

This report answers a basic but often overlooked question: How much are landowners already investing, out of their own pockets, to care for land, water, and wildlife? We surveyed owners of 500+ acre parcels in Western states about their conservation spending, above and beyond normal operating expenses. The results make visible the scale and importance of private landowner investment in conservation across the American West.

The findings show that landowners are not passive beneficiaries of conservation programs—they are lead investors and frontline stewards. Western landowners are already investing hundreds of millions of dollars each year to care for the land, and our policies should recognize, support, and build on that reality. 

• Western landowners invested at least $407.5 million out-of-pocket on conservation in 2024, above and beyond normal operating expenses.
• That spending is comparable to other major sources of conservation funding.
• In addition to direct investment most landowners forgo income opportunities for conservation.