The recently implemented federal tariffs are now in effect. There has been considerable discussion regarding the implications for the overall economy. But what does it mean for land conservation and conservation organizations? This blog will discuss the potential effects on organization operations, donations, land values, and other aspects of land conservation.
The tariffs can affect land and water conservation in subtle but significant ways, largely through economic and policy ripple effects. Here’s a breakdown of the key pathways:
1. Pressures on conservation organizations’ operations (like any other business)
Like many businesses, conservation organizations will have increased costs of supplies and equipment that come from another country. Likewise, there will be increased building and infrastructure expenditure primarily from the increased costs of materials. There may be an increase in energy costs that are not renewable.
Due to the downturn in the stock market, endowments and investments will be negatively affected in the short term.
The effect on the price of land is hard to predict. It might go up because of more development in America in general or might go down because of less demand due to potential recession.
Both above will influence cash and land donations. Decreased wealth of potential donors may mean there will be less to give. Reduced land values and the resultant lower tax deduction might delay donations or possibly hasten donation of land that is no longer economically viable.
The good news for The Conservation Foundation is that we are not dependent on federal or other government funding for our operations. Although we do receive an occasional state or federal grant, they are for specific projects. Those will likely be put on hold for a while. On the other hand, our local government partners, like park and forest preserve districts, do rely on federal Land and Water Conservation Funds to help purchase land, so there is a “trickle-down” effect to The Conservation Foundation as we all are used to partnering on land acquisitions.
2. Reduced farm profitability = less conservation investment
- Lower revenues
- When tariffs reduce farm exports, especially to major buyers like China, farmers often see lower crop prices and tighter margins.
- As a result, farmers are less likely to invest in conservation practices like cover cropping, no-till farming, riparian buffers, or nutrient management — all of which cost time and money upfront.
- Some may even choose to farm more intensively (e.g., push marginal land back into production) to make up for lost income, which can increase soil erosion, runoff, and water pollution.
- Land use pressure
- Lower crop prices may cause some farmers to exit farming, leading to land being sold for development or other non-conservation uses.
- In some areas, marginal or idle land may revert to natural habitat, but without active stewardship, it might be vulnerable to invasive species or unmanaged degradation.
- Water impacts
- Decreased conservation funding or adoption can lead to:
- More fertilizer and pesticide runoff into waterways.
- Increased algal blooms and hypoxia zones, especially in regions like the Mississippi River Basin and Great Lakes.
- Reduced resilience to drought or flooding due to poor soil structure and vegetation loss.
- Decreased conservation funding or adoption can lead to:
3. Loss of preserved conservation land and wildlife habitat
Tariffs on imported oil may result in more domestic energy drilling. Demand for increased domestic energy and other development could prompt a new assault on federally protected conservation lands.
It could be argued that that the increased federal revenue from tariffs could possibly result in more funds for environment/conservation programs in general and specifically for local and state grants for environmental and conservation programs. Unfortunately, this use of funds is unlikely given that these conservation programs are being targeted for reduction and possible elimination — which could further deepen problems with environmental protection and land conservation.
4. Silver Lining: Conservation as a resilience strategy
Some forward-thinking farmers, especially in drought-prone areas, may actually increase conservation efforts to lower costs, retain moisture, and boost long-term soil health as a hedge against market volatility.
In summary, the negative effects will be less money for conservation and higher risk of land degradation and water pollution. And yet, there are potential opportunities. Some idle land may rewild; and there may be a push for resilient, regenerative practices among proactive farmers. Only time will tell.
Ready to fight for land and water conservation? Well, land and water conservation are what The Conservation Foundation does every day. For more than 50 years, through thick and thin, The Conservation Foundation has spearheaded efforts to preserve land and water. We can all do more together than we can alone. Join our collective momentum – become a member today!
Feel free to comment on this blog with additional ideas you have on how tariffs can affect land and water conservation efforts.
By Steve Stawarz, Oak Brook
DuPage County Advisory Council Member, The Conservation Foundation
