Public-Private Partnerships in Large Landscape Conservation: Insights and lessons learned from engaging with utilities in the Susquehanna Riverlands

One of the cornerstones of the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape is ongoing efforts to protect thousands of acres of utility lands that border the Susquehanna River. In the 1990s the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and The Conservation Fund began a partnership that resulted in the 2004 Report on Lower Susquehanna Utility Lands Planning Project which identified the utility lands within the corridor and opportunities for large scale land preservation. That study formed the basis of public/private partnerships at the national, state, and local level that resulted in a precedent setting decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and protection of over 1,500 acres in fee with plans for easing an additional 1,500. This project was funded by the local utility PPL, Pennsylvania's DCNR, The Conservation Fund, and York and Lancaster counties, which counties border the river. The end result includes establishment of a six (6) million dollar endowment fund for the preservation, maintenance, improvement, and promotion of the lands and facilities within the Susquehanna Riverlands.

Working with large and small utilities presents some challenges and also many opportunities.  This presentation will utilize the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape to explore insights and lessons learned for leveraging public/private partnerships and funding to achieve large landscape protection goals along river corridors and beyond.