Nebraska’s First Farm and Ranchland Protection Program Easement Helps Protect Historical Site

"Old Baldy" now protected by NRCS Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program

A nationally historic site in Nebraska described in the journals of Lewis & Clark over 200 years ago is now protected forever thanks to the NRCS Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP).  NRCS worked with the Northern Prairies Land Trust (NPLT) to enter into the first FRPP easement agreement in Nebraska.  Within viewing distance of the Missouri River in Boyd County, this easement will conserve 524 acres that includes the “Old Baldy” area visited by Lewis and Clark in September 1804.  A narrow strip of land between the river and Old Baldy has already been subdivided for development.  “We are pleased to help with the preservation of this site.  This program will protect special sites, like Old Baldy, from being subdivided and converted to other land uses,” said Nebraska NRCS State Conservationist Steve Chick.

“This easement gives the NPLT authority over the land to preserve it in its present rangeland state. The landowners retain ownership and can graze the land, but the land is protected from any other land uses,” said John Davidson, NPLT president.

NRCS will provide funding to the NPLT, which will be used with a contribution from the landowner to preserve this site that has been in their family for generations.  Another key partner in this effort is the Nebraska Environmental Trust, which provided a grant to NPLT as part of the required state-federal matching funds to complete the easement purchase. The “Old Baldy” site is covered with unbroken mixed grass prairie and burr oak woodlands, which makes it attractive for many species of wildlife.  The conservation easement ensures this significant piece of Nebraska and national history is protected.
Your contact is Pat McGrane, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 402-437-5328.